Falcons' Cordarrelle Patterson 'Making Good Progress,' Says Arthur Smith
The Atlanta Falcons have one of the deeper running back rooms in the NFL, but it would be a better group with Cordarrelle Patterson healthy.
On Aug. 16, coach Arthur Smith announced that Patterson would miss "several weeks" with a soft tissue injury, but he updated reporters that he is on track to return on schedule.
“I wouldn’t anticipate Cordarrelle being out here the next couple of days but he’s making good progress as well,” Smith said.
Patterson, 32, is entering his third season with the Falcons, but he has more help than ever before in the backfield with second-year pro Tyler Allgeier and No. 8 overall pick Bijan Robinson.
Perhaps the depth alongside Patterson is giving the Falcons an opportunity to not rush his return, especially with it only being the beginning of the season. However, it's possible that Atlanta could move Patterson into more of a receiver role, which is where he began his career.
“He can play anywhere," coach Arthur Smith said. "CP’s shown that in ‘21, so this is nothing we haven't seen and we don’t have proof of. His role was a lot different in ’21 than it was in ’22. But again, we feel like we’re a very unique team and we got good matchups and it depends on who we’re playing. ... He’s a unique football player. I’m happy he’s here and I’ve loved coaching him.”
Patterson and the Falcons host the Carolina Panthers in the season opener on Sunday, Sept. 10. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
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