Falcons Rookie RB Tyler Allgeier 'Becoming Very Dependable', Says Coach
Atlanta Falcons rookie running back Tyler Allgeier went from zero to 10, real quick.
Carries, that is.
After being a healthy inactive in Atlanta's Week 1 loss to the New Orleans Saints, Allgeier made his NFL debut against the Los Angeles Rams, replacing injured veteran running back Damien Williams.
The fifth-round pick out of BYU had an active game, playing 19 snaps and recording 10 carries for 30 yards. He played a valuable role, sparing Falcons star running back Cordarrelle Patterson and allowing the team to move its versatile playmaker around.
Despite not having a huge game statistically, Allgeier made a positive impression on Falcons coach Arthur Smith, who believes the rookie is quickly developing a niche.
"He got 10 carries, I thought he ran pretty well," Smith said. "He's becoming very dependable in protection."
Allgeier tied Patterson for the most carries on the day and was on the field for nearly a third of Atlanta's offensive snaps. With Williams on injured reserve for the next several weeks, Allgeier appears poised to see a solid dose of touches moving forward.
Further, his ability to thrive in pass protection is a vital attribute to sticking in the Falcons' running back's rotation even after Williams returns. Patterson is a dynamic weapon who should be used as a receiver on passing downs, while third-string running back Avery Williams fills the role of scat back.
Thus, Allgeier has a chance to carve out an established role as a ground-it-out runner with third down value early in his NFL career, providing the Falcons with a solid early return from their fifth-round pick.
Allgeier is primed to make his second professional appearance on Sunday, when the Falcons travel to Lumen Field to take on the Seattle Seahawks at 4:25 p.m.
You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft
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