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The Atlanta Falcons have been missing a key piece in their offense over the last four weeks but that could change this weekend.
The Falcons’ No. 1 running back, Cordarrelle Patterson, was designated to return to practice off injured reserve on Wednesday, November 2, via NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Patterson had been dealing with a knee injury and underwent minor surgery following Week 4’s win over the Cleveland Browns.
Patterson Calls Out NFL Fans
Patterson arrived in good spirits at Atlanta’s practice on Wednesday as they prepare to face the Chargers.
But while he’s back, he’s not yet feeling 100 percent himself just yet.
“Nobody’s 100 percent––what at Week 9? So, feeling that 90 percent right feels pretty good,” Patterson told reporters after practice.
Patterson also called out NFL fans, claiming a lot of fans had messaged him about fantasy football while he was out been out, but he said “it’s not about FF it’s about how he’s feeling.” He also added that nobody ever just asks if he’s OK.
In his absence, a trio of young Falcons backs took over the rushing duties: Tyler Allgeier, Caleb Huntley and Avery Williams.
“The next man up, that’s what it is and they did a heck of a job,” Patterson said. “And this week if I can’t go, they’re still going to keep doing what they’re supposed to be doing. Until I’m back––when I’m back––they’re still going to shine.”
Before heading to IR, Patterson rushed for 340 yards on 58 carries and three touchdowns. He remains the team’s top rusher despite missing four weeks.
Patterson Also Commented on the Calvin Ridley Trade
Patterson, a big fan and advocate of wide receiver Calvin Ridley, wasn’t too happy to hear the news on Monday that the team had traded his buddy away.
Since the NFL suspended Ridley for a year for gambling back in March, Patterson had been publically tweeting for the league to “free” him.
In fact, just this past Sunday, Patterson was rocking a “Free Ridley” T-shirt on the sidelines during the Falcons’ win over the Carolina Panthers.
And he believes that he is one to blame for the Falcons sending Ridley to Jacksonville.
“I wore a shirt that told them “free him” and then we trade him. It probably was on me. I shouldn’t have worn that shirt,” Patterson joked.
He added, “It is what it is. Any of my ex-teammates, it doesn’t matter, I’m going to support [them] no matter what. I’m just that kind of guy. I’m going to show my support and I’m going to reach out if I know they can help us win. So, It’s no shade to any of my teammates in here. I just want to win and ya know, I just support all of the guys I played with.”
The Falcons sent Ridley, who is still suspended until 2023, to the Jaguars in exchange for conditional draft capital.
That means, if Ridley is reinstated by a date, the Falcons receive a 2023 5th-round pick, otherwise it’s for a 6th-round pick. If he makes the team in 2024, that’s another fourth rounder for the Falcons. And he hits the play-time milestone in his contract deal, then the Falcons receive a third. And lately, if the Jags sign him to a long-term done, the Falcons receiver an additional second-round pick.
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