ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Falcons will be without Cordarrelle Patterson, one of the team's top weapons, against the New England Patriots on Thursday night.
Patterson has been dealing with an ankle injury, and on Wednesday, head coach Arthur Smith said he would take the decision up to game time.
Patterson, the Falcons' second-leading receiver and leading rusher, is in the midst of a career year. The 30-year-old utility player already has 473 receiving yards and 303 rushing yards, eclipsing the season highs in his prior eight years. He has also scored seven total touchdowns, equaling the TDs scored in his rookie year in 2013.
Without Patterson, Atlanta will rely on Mike Davis, Wayne Gallman and practice squad call-up Qadree Ollison for rushing duties. The team also elevated receiver Marvin Hall, a potential downfield threat, to give Atlanta another receiving option along with Russell Gage, Olamide Zaccheaus and Tajae Sharpe.
The Falcons will also be without tight end Hayden Hurst, who was placed on injured reserve Thursday with an ankle injury. Atlanta signed tight end Parker Hesse to help fill the void.
The rest of Atlanta's inactives are receiver Christian Blake, cornerback Kendall Sheffield, safety Jaylinn Hawkins and defensive linemen John Cominsky, Marlon Davidson and Tyeler Davison.
