The Atlanta Falcons’ win over the Cleveland Browns came at a cost, as the team will place Cordarrelle Patterson on injured reserve after undergoing surgery Monday morning. Patterson will miss at least the Falcons’ next four games.
Patterson played in Sunday’s 23-20 win despite being called questionable. Patterson suffered from a knee injury which forced him to be restricted in training last Friday after not participating in the previous two practices.
A four-time All-Pro, Patterson had nine carries for 38 yards and a score on Sunday while helping the Falcons tie their record at 2-2. He had 141 yards and a touchdown on 17 bunts the previous week in Atlanta’s 27-23 win over Seattle. Patterson kicked off the season with a 120-yard and touchdown performance in Atlanta’s one-point loss to New Orleans.
With Patterson out, fellow running backs Tyler Allgeier and Caleb Huntley will be likely to receive larger roles in the offence. Allegier is currently second on the team with 26 carries for 139 yards averaging 5.3 yards per carry. Huntley is fourth on the team with 11 carries for 59 yards and a touchdown.
The Falcons’ offense has been one of the most surprising units in the NFL this season. Atlanta’s offense is currently eighth in the NFL in points and fourth in rushing. The unit was bolstered by the presence of rookie Drake London, who currently leads the team with 231 yards and two touchdowns on 18 receptions.
Atlanta has a tough game streak over the next three weeks. The Falcons will travel to Tampa on Sunday before returning home to face the 49ers in Week 6. They will then hit the road again to face the defending AFC champion Bengals in Week 7. The Falcons will then host the Panthers before Patterson was eligible to return for their Week 9 home game against the Chargers.
