The Atlanta Falcons have officially ruled out wide receiver/running back Cordarrelle Patterson for their "Thursday Night Football" matchup against the New England Patriots. Patterson suffered an ankle injury in the 43-3 loss to the Dallas Cowboys last week, and was officially listed as questionable to play. He was a limited participant in all practice sessions this week.
Patterson leads the Falcons in rushing with 303 yards and two touchdowns on 77 carries, and is second on the team in receiving with 473 yards and five touchdowns on 39 catches. Just two weeks ago in the 27-25 victory over the New Orleans Saints, Patterson caught six passes for 126 yards.
With Patterson out, expect Mike Davis and Wayne Gallman to get more work on the ground while Olamide Zaccheaus could step up as the leading receiver. Matt Ryan will still have rookie tight end Kyle Pitts to rely on, although he will attract extra attention from members of the New England secondary. The Patriots have allowed the fewest receptions by tight ends this season (29), and the third-fewest receiving yards (295).
The other inactives for the Falcons include wide receiver Christian Blake, cornerback Kendall Sheffield, safety Jaylinn Hawkins, defensive lineman John Cominsky, defensive lineman Marlon Davidson and defensive lineman Tyeler Davison.
