BREAKING: Falcons CB Jeff Okudah OUT vs. Panthers - Injury Report
The Atlanta Falcons will officially be without one of their starting defensive backs for Sunday's season opener against the Carolina Panthers.
Falcons coach Arthur Smith told reporters Friday that cornerback Jeff Okudah, who suffered a right ankle injury in early August, will not play this week.
Okudah didn't participate in practice this week but has made considerable progress of late, with Smith noting that he's "ahead of where I thought he'd be" and has made steps in the right direction. Atlanta is opting to play the “long game” with Okudah, per Smith.
Falcons assistant head coach/defense Jerry Gray said that Okudah is mentally ready to play, but evidently, he's not quite there yet with his physical health.
Apart from Okudah, the Falcons' other injury concerns were present at practice Friday, with "Joker" Cordarrelle Patterson and receiver KhaDarel Hodge, both dealing with ankle injuries, participating in the session. They’re officially listed as questionable.
Carolina will also be without a key contributor, as receiver D.J. Chark won't play with a hamstring injury. Fellow receiver Adam Thielen is questionable, while coach Frank Reich had no updates on star pass rusher Brian Burns, who’s looking for a new contract.
The 24-year-old Okudah is coming off his healthiest and most productive season to date, starting 15 games and logging 73 tackles, seven passes defended, two tackles for loss and an interception as a member of the Detroit Lions. He was acquired via trade this spring.
With Okudah out, the Falcons will likely turn to either Mike Hughes or Tre Flowers at No. 2 cornerback behind A.J. Terrell. Flowers received most of the reps in Okudah's place during the middle to latter portion of training camp.
The Falcons and Panthers will kick off at 1 p.m. inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium this Sunday.
