Oct 20, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks Justin Fields (2) and Russell Wilson (3) watch the action against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Steelers QB Justin Fields added to injury report vs. Giants

The Pittsburgh Steelers added Justin Fields as questionable to the injury report and downgraded running back/kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson to out for Monday’s game against the visiting New York Giants.

Fields is nursing a sore hamstring while Patterson has an ankle injury.

Fields, 25, started the Steelers’ first six games of the season before being benched in favor of Russell Wilson last Sunday. Wilson threw for 264 yards and two touchdowns in Pittsburgh’s 37-15 victory over the New York Jets.

Wilson is expected to be under center on Monday as the Steelers (5-2) take on the Giants (2-5). Kyle Allen would serve as the No. 2 quarterback if Wilson is unable to suit up.

Fields completed 66.3 percent of his passes for 1,106 yards with five touchdowns and one interception. He’s also rushed for 231 yards and five scores.

Patterson, 33, has been sidelined since rushing for 43 yards in Pittsburgh’s 27-24 setback to the Indianapolis Colts on Sept. 29. Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren and Aaron Shampklin are expected to handle the team’s rushing responsibilities.

–Field Level Media

Sep 29, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Cordarrelle Patterson (84) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts linebacker E.J. Speed (45) during the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Steelers RB Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) doubtful against Giants

Veteran running back Cordarrelle Patterson is listed as doubtful and rookie center Zach Frazier has been ruled out — both with ankle injuries — for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ home game Mondy night against the New York Giants.

The Steelers (5-2) also will be without outside linebacker Nick Herbig and rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson because of hamstring issues. Linebacker Tyler Matakevich (hamstring) and offensive tackle Dylan Cook (foot) each are in the 21-day window to return from injured reserve and are out against the Giants (2-5).

Patterson, 33, was a limited practice participant on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. He has not played since Sept. 29 in a 27-24 loss at the Indianapolis Colts. A running back and wide receiver, he has one start in four games and has 16 carries for 92 yards and five receptions for 34 yards.

A four-time Pro Bowl selection and four-time All-Pro first-team honoree as a kick returner, Patterson is in his first season with Pittsburgh after playing for the Minnesota Vikings (2013-16), Oakland Raiders (2017), New England Patriots (2018), Chicago Bears (2019-20) and Atlanta Falcons (2021-23).

Frazier, 23, a 2024 NFL second-round selection out of West Virginia, has started six games and played 95 percent of the offensive snaps (378). He missed last Sunday’s game against the New York Jets.

Herbig, 22, will miss his third straight game. He has played in five games (two starts) this season and has eight tackles and 2.5 sacks. He is in his second season with the Steelers.

Wilson, 23, a third-round pick in the 2024 draft out of Michigan, has played in one game this season.

–Field Level Media

Jun 14, 2023; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson (84) runs with the ball during minicamp at IBM Performance Field.  Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Falcons’ Cordarrelle Patterson ruled inactive vs. Panthers

Versatile Cordarrelle Patterson has been ruled inactive for the Atlanta Falcons’ season opener against the visiting Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

Patterson, a hybrid running back/wide receiver, was listed as questionable on Friday due to a thigh injury. First-round rookie Bijan Robinson is expected to receive the bulk of the work, with fellow running backs Tyler Allgeier and Godwin Igwebuike in line to contribute as well.

Patterson, 32, recorded 695 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 144 carries last season. In 2021, in his first season in Atlanta, Patterson had 1,166 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns.

A four-time All-Pro as a kick returner, Patterson is with his fifth team. In 156 career games (60 starts), he has 5,087 yards from scrimmage and 37 scores. He also has gained 7,836 yards as a kick returner with nine touchdowns for the Minnesota Vikings (2013-16), then-Oakland Raiders (2017), New England Patriots (2018), Chicago Bears (2019-20) and Falcons.

Logan Woodside is listed as Atlanta’s third quarterback. Cornerbacks Jeff Okudah and Mike Hughes, offensive lineman Jovaughn Gwyn, wide receiver Josh Ali and tight end John FitzPatrick have been listed as inactive.

Carolina wide receiver Adam Thielen is active after being listed as questionable with an ankle injury. Fellow wideout DJ Chark, cornerback D’Shawn Jamison, linebacker Claudin Cherelus and guard Nash Jensen have been ruled inactive.

–Field Level Media

Nov 20, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson (84) runs the ball against the Chicago Bears in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Kickoff king: Cordarrelle Patterson sets record with ninth TD return

Atlanta Falcons dynamo Cordarrelle Patterson set an NFL record on Sunday after posting his ninth career kickoff return for a touchdown.

Patterson caught the ball three yards deep in the end zone and raced up the middle en route to a 103-yard return for a touchdown in the second quarter against the visiting Chicago Bears.

Patterson previously shared the NFL record with Josh Cribbs and Leon Washington.

–Field Level Media

Oct 2, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson (84) runs the ball against the Cleveland Browns in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Falcons activate RB Cordarrelle Patterson off IR

The Atlanta Falcons activated running back Cordarrelle Patterson off injured reserve on Saturday.

Patterson was placed on injured reserve on Oct. 3 with a knee injury before being designated to return on Wednesday. He is now eligible to play in Sunday’s game against the visiting Los Angeles Chargers.

The Falcons also placed starting left guard Elijah Wilkinson on injured reserve Saturday and released edge rusher Quinton Bell. Defensive lineman Jalen Dalton was signed to the 53-man roster off the practice squad, while safety Jovante Moffatt and offensive lineman Ryan Neuzil were designated as practice-squad elevations.

Patterson, 31, has 340 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 58 carries this season. In 2021, in his first season in Atlanta, Patterson had 1,166 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns.

A four-time All-Pro as a kick returner, Patterson is with his fifth team. In 147 career games (52 starts), he has 4,638 yards from scrimmage and 32 scores. He also has gained 7,579 yards as a kick returner, with eight touchdowns, for the Minnesota Vikings (2013-16), then-Oakland Raiders (2017), New England Patriots (2018), Chicago Bears (2019-20) and Falcons.

Wilkinson, 27, is sidelined with a knee injury despite playing in every snap of last Sunday’s 37-34 overtime victory over the Carolina Panthers. Backup center Matt Hennessy and Colby Gossett are candidates to receive the start against the Chargers in his absence.

Bell, 26, recorded two tackles in three games this season with the Falcons.

–Field Level Media

Oct 2, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson (84) runs the ball against the Cleveland Browns in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Falcons RB Cordarrelle Patterson (knee) placed on IR

The Atlanta Falcons placed Cordarrelle Patterson on injured reserve Monday with a knee injury, but head coach Arthur Smith said the team’s featured running back will return this season.

Smith said Patterson underwent a minor medical procedure Monday morning. He will need to miss at least four games and would be eligible to return Nov. 6 at home against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Patterson has been nursing the knee injury and was listed as questionable before the Browns game. He was limited Sunday to nine carries for 38 yards but scored a touchdown.

The team’s other top rusher, Damien Williams, also is on IR with an injury to his ribs.

In a corresponding move, the Falcons signed 24-year-old running back Caleb Huntley to the 53-man roster. He was elevated from the practice squad for Sunday’s 23-20 win over the Cleveland Browns and ran for 56 yards and scored his first NFL touchdown.

Patterson, 31, has 348 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 58 carries this season. In 2021, in his first season in Atlanta, Patterson had 1,166 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns.

A four-time All-Pro as a kick returner, Patterson is with his fifth team. In 147 career games (52 starts), Patterson has 4,638 yards from scrimmage and 32 touchdowns. He also has gained 7,579 yards as a kick returner, with eight touchdowns, for the Minnesota Vikings (2013-16), then-Oakland Raiders (2017), New England Patriots (2018), Chicago Bears (2019-20) and Falcons.

The Falcons also signed cornerback Cornell Armstrong to the practice squad.

–Field Level Media

Sep 25, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson (84) breaks a tackle attempt to rush for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Falcons’ Cordarrelle Patterson questionable vs. Browns

Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns after being limited in practice on Friday.

Patterson sat out practice on Wednesday as part of a veteran rest day while also nursing an ailing knee. He missed Thursday’s practice as well.

“I feel like I’m going to play every Sunday, no matter what the situation is,” Patterson told ESPN. “I plan on playing Sunday and we all know that’s the plan.”

Coach Arthur Smith said a final decision will be made Saturday on the availability of Patterson.

The versatile Patterson received NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors after rushing for a career-high 141 yards in Atlanta’s 27-23 victory against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

Patterson, 31, ranks third in the NFL with 302 rushing yards and has two touchdowns in three games this season. He also has four catches for 28 yards.

Rookie Tyler Allgeier likely would see additional playing time should Patterson be unable to compete versus the Browns. Allgeier has 16 carries for 55 yards this season.

–Field Level Media

Sep 25, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson (84) rushes against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Falcons RB Cordarrelle Patterson misses practice again

Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson was not spotted at practice for the second straight day on Thursday, multiple media outlets reported.

Patterson sat out practice on Wednesday as part of a veteran rest day while also nursing an ailing knee.

The versatile Patterson received NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors after rushing for a career-high 141 yards in Atlanta’s 27-23 Week 3 victory against the Seattle Seahawks.

Rookie Tyler Allgeier likely would see additional playing time should Patterson be unable to compete in the Falcons’ home game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Allgeier has 16 carries for 55 yards this season.

Patterson, 31, ranks third in the NFL with 302 rushing yards and has two touchdowns in three games this season. He also has four catches for 28 yards.

–Field Level Media

Sep 25, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson (84) rushes for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Arthur Smith praises Cordarrelle Patterson, Falcons offense after win

Veteran running back Cordarrelle Patterson helped the Atlanta Falcons earn their first win of the year, downing the Seahawks 27-23 in Seattle on Sunday after two heartbreaking losses to open the season.

Patterson had 17 carries for a career-high 141 yards and a touchdown, and his 40-yard run late in the third quarter set up the Falcons’ game-winning touchdown.

Coach Arthur Smith was complimentary of his multi-dimensional threat when speaking to reporters Monday.

“He’s playing really good football,” Smith said. “He’s still a valuable piece. And I think we can still move CP around if we need to.”

Atlanta (1-2) owns the fifth-best rushing attack in the NFL (156.7 yards per game) entering Week 4, when it will host the Cleveland Browns.

A big reason for that is an offensive line that’s made a lot of progress from last season.

“Numbers can be deceiving sometimes,” Smith said. “You could see the progress last year. There are a lot of things we changed behind the scenes. But those guys are doing a really good job.”

Third-year pro Colby Gossett got the start against Seattle at left guard in place of Elijah Wilkinson, who was ruled out due to personal reasons. Smith says he expects Wilkinson to be back in the starting lineup when Atlanta hosts Cleveland (2-1) Sunday.

“I thought Colby played pretty well,” Smith said. “But we’ll start with Elijah this week and see how it goes.”

Patterson’s effectiveness out of the backfield complemented Marcus Mariota and the passing game. Mariota passed for 229 yards and a score and orchestrated an offense that scored three touchdowns on four red zone attempts.

Add it together, and Atlanta ranks ninth in the league in scoring offense (26.7 points per game) despite its sub-.500 start.

The Falcons’ offense now must prepare for a rugged Browns defensive front. Smith said it will be a test, but Atlanta’s second-year head coach likes the way his guys are competing.

“We’ve got a really big challenge up front against Cleveland with Myles Garrett and those guys,” Smith said. “They’ve got a really good front. But I like the way are guys are playing.”

–Field Level Media

Nov 28, 2021; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson (84) runs with the ball during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

Falcons thankful for hybrid offensive threat Cordarrelle Patterson

It’s become clear there are two kinds of Atlanta Falcons offenses in 2021: The offense with Cordarrelle Patterson and the offense without him.

The Falcons were certainly glad to have Patterson back in the fold Sunday, as the receiver/running back hybrid propelled them to a 21-14 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Patterson picked up an ankle injury during the Falcons’ game against the Dallas Cowboys Nov. 14, limiting him to just 15 snaps on offense. He missed Atlanta’s game five days later. The Falcons’ grand total in those two losses: three points.

Patterson returned against the Jaguars and found the end zone twice before halftime.

The 30-year-old is on his fifth NFL team and is finally enjoying a breakout campaign as the focal point of Atlanta’s offense.

Coach Arthur Smith did not have theories as to why Patterson’s talent wasn’t maximized with the Minnesota Vikings (2013-16), Oakland Raiders (2017), New England Patriots (2018) or Chicago Bears (2019-20).

“I wasn’t in those other places,” Smith said Monday. “The only comparison I have is the same question that I used to get asked about Ryan Tannehill. Different players, different parts of their careers. You would think a lot of things in life, the experiences led you to this point that probably benefited him.”

Smith mentioned Tannehill because he’s received plaudits for his role in the quarterback’s career while the offensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans.

But as the coach noted, they’re much different players. In Patterson’s case, he bounced around the league without ever amassing gaudy stats after his seven-touchdown rookie season in Minnesota. He had game-breaking speed and not much else to show for it.

Cut to now, and in 10 games Patterson has already set career highs in not only rushing yards (411) and touchdowns (four), but also receiving yards (500) and touchdowns (five). After he began to get more touches out of the backfield in his second and last year with Chicago, the Falcons have made him a back first, even listing him as a running back on their official website — though he still wears a receiver’s jersey number, 84.

If anything, Smith took recommendations from staff members familiar with Patterson from the Bears and amplified that role.

“I don’t think it’s just one thing. Where he fits, what we’re trying to do. … Moving him around, we had a pretty good grasp at it as he evolved in Chicago,” Smith said. “Some of the coaches that we have here, he had in Chicago. So it’s a combination of a lot of things, but we’re happy he’s here.”

So are Falcons fans, who have not seen a consistent ground game for some time. Patterson became the first Falcon since Devonta Freeman in 2016 to post 100 rushing yards and two touchdowns in a game when he ran for 108 on a season-high 16 carries Sunday.

After the game, Patterson didn’t ask for much of the spotlight.

“With that blocking, how can I not score?” he said. “Like I said, offensive line, they did a heck of a job.”

The Falcons turn their attention to the 8-3, NFC South-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who visit Atlanta Sunday. The Bucs won their first meeting 48-25 in Week 2.

–Field Level Media