Falcons RB Cordarrelle Patterson to miss time with soft tissue injury

Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson will miss a couple of weeks as he deals with a soft tissue injury, coach Arthur Smith revealed Wednesday. That will keep him out of the remaining two preseason games and Smith said he will be re-evaluated before the regular season.

Patterson is one of four Falcons players currently sidelined by a soft tissue injury along with cornerbacks Mike Hughes and Cornell Armstrong and receiver Frank Darby. Linebacker Ade Ogundeji was also recently placed on the injured reserve list with an ankle injury.

With Patterson out for the rest of the preseason, running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier should see most of the reps. The No. 8 overall pick out of Texas this offseason, Robinson is expected to step in immediately as Atlanta’s starter in his rookie season.

Patterson was the Falcons starting running back this past season, rushing for a career-high 695 yards and eight touchdowns. The four-time Pro Bowler figures to still play a role in the backfield behind Robinson, as well as a receiver and return man. His nine career kickoffs returned for a touchdown are the most of any player in NFL history.

Atlanta will kick off the regular season on Sept. 10 against the Carolina Panthers and will hope that Patterson will be able to go in that game.

Cordarrelle Patterson on returning kicks after NFL rule change: ‘I’m going to bring it out’

The NFL changed its rules regarding kickoffs this offseason, now allowing players to call for a fair catch that will place the offense at the 25-yard line. However, Patterson revealed that whether the ball is deep in the end zone or not, he plans to bring it back.

“It’s coming out,” Patterson told NFL Network. “So, make sure your kicker know how to kick it through the end zone.”

Over his nine-year NFL career so far, Patterson has established himself as one of the best kick returners in league history. In addition to his NFL-best nine career kickoff return TDs, Patterson’s 109-yard kickoff return during his rookie season with the Vikings is also an NFL record.

Patterson’s career average of 29.5 yards per return ranks third in league history. That’s why the Falcons have given him the “green light” to run it back.

“Honestly, we had this talk as a team, really, and they know I’m going to bring it out,” Patterson said. “No matter where the ball is kicked at, coach is giving me the green light no ifs ands or buts. That’s what I bring back there. I’m trying to do whatever I can to help my team gain that momentum on offense.”