Atlanta Falcons place leading rusher Cordarrelle Patterson on injured reserve

Atlanta Falcons leading rusher Cordarrelle Patterson is going to be sidelined for a while.

Falcons coach Arthur Smith announced Monday morning that Patterson underwent a minor knee procedure and will be placed on injured reserve.

Patterson was hampered by a knee injury prior to Sunday’s 23-20 win over the Cleveland Browns and exited the game early. He will miss at least the next four weeks on IR.

The Falcons’ next four games are at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, vs. the San Francisco 49ers, at the Cincinnati Bengals and a home tilt against the Carolina Panthers. Patterson is eligible to return Week 9 when the club takes on the Los Angeles Chargers in Atlanta. 

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Patterson’s tallied a team-leading 58 carries, 340 yards and three touchdowns this season. He’s averaging 5.9 yards a carry this year.

The 31-year-old running back has 958 yards and nine rushing TDs since joining the Falcons in 2021. The 10-year veteran has also played for the Vikings, Raiders, Patriots and Bears.

The Falcons (2-2) will now turn to running backs Caleb Huntley and rookie Tyler Allgeier while Patterson and Damien Williams are both on injured reserve. Huntley and Allgeier combined for 20 carries, 140 yards and one touchdown in Sunday’s Week 4 victory.

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on Twitter @TheTylerDragon.

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