FLOWERY BRANCH — Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson, who missed the past four games while on injured reserve after undergoing left knee surgery, returned to practice Wednesday.
The team activated his 21-day return-to-play schedule. They have 21 days to activate Patterson or he reverts to injured reserve.
The Falcons (4-4) are set to host the Chargers (4-3) at 1 p.m. Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
“Honestly, I’m going to take it one day at a time,” Patterson said. “Whatever coach (Arthur Smith) needs. I’m just going to do what’s best. Come in each and every day, work hard and show them what I can do. That’s it.”
Patterson is the Falcons’ leading rusher with 340 yards on 58 carries, and he has three rushing touchdowns. He would provide a spark if he could return to face the Chargers.
“Just trying to get back healthy,” Patterson said. “Getting back out there today was a plus. Moving in the right direction. No setback. We’ll see once Sunday comes and see how I feel.”
There was a roar in the locker room as the media gathered around Patterson. The crowd became so big, he was moved to a podium.
“Huge,” Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota said about Patterson’s return. “A player like him, you almost need three other guys to fulfill his one specific role. He’s a special type of player. A guy that we can just lean on to make plays. Given the opportunity, if he is back, that will be exciting for us.”
Falcons linebacker Mykal Walker just smiled when discussing Patterson.
“Yeah, CP, that’s our guy,” Walker said. “Anytime that you get a guy back, we’re all excited for him. The run offense has been taking off, and when you add that piece to it, it’s going to be a good situation for us.”
Patterson said he feels 90% healthy.
“At this point in time, nobody is 100%; we’re in what, Week 9?” Patterson said. “Nobody is going to feel 100%. Feeling at 90%, I feel pretty good.”
With Patterson out, Caleb Huntley was promoted to the 53-man roster. Huntley, Tyler Allgeier and Avery Williams filled in at running back.
“They did a heck of a job,” Patterson said. “This week if I can go, they are still going to keep doing what they (are) supposed to do until I’m back. When I’m back, they are going to shine. I’m not coming to step on (anybody’s) toes. This is our team. The team comes first. Whenever Coach needs me out there, I will be ready.”
Patterson said the four weeks were mentally taxing to deal with.
“Of course, it was tough, but they held their own,” Patterson said. “Running backs in that (meeting) room, they take good pride in when their opportunity comes. They showed over those four weeks. They did what they (were) supposed to do.”
Patterson gave his fans a workout update on social media last week.
“I just try to give the fans what they want to see,” Patterson said. “I was missing for a couple of weeks. I know the fans missed me on Twitter, so I posted a video to show them what I was up to.”
Patterson sounds like he’ll be a game-time decision.
“When Sunday comes, we’ll see,” Patterson said. “Not in a rush to get back out there. I know a lot of fans want to see me out there and play. Just focus on me and my conditioning. If I do play, how well-conditioned I am and all of that stuff. It’s going to be a lot to factor in.”
Patterson had surgery on his left knee but didn’t go into details.
“Just a little banged out,” Patterson said.
Patterson was happy to be back in the locker room.
“I’ve missed those guys,” Patterson said. “I’m glad to be back. Hopefully, I feel 100% when it comes to Sunday and I can get off and just get going.”
He remains hopeful of a quick return.
“We’ll see on Saturday, right before the game,” Patterson said. “Hopefully, I’ll be ready, but I’m going in the right direction right now. No setbacks thus far.”
Patterson had a message for his fantasy owners.
“I know a lot of fans have been hitting me up on Twitter and Instagram talking about (expletive) fantasy football,” Patterson said. “But, you know, it’s all about my health first. No fans (have) ever hit me up to see how (I’m) doing. They just want to hear about their fantasy stuff.
“I’d appreciate if they hit me up to see how I’m doing. They don’t. They are just worried about their fantasy points. At the end of the day, as long as I’m healthy, I’ll be out there on that field.”
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The Bow Tie Chronicles
Atlanta Falcons 2022 schedule
Sept. 11: Saints 27, Falcons 26
Sept. 18: Rams 31, Falcons 27
Sept. 25 Falcons 27, Seahawks 23
Oct. 2 Falcons 23, Browns 20
Oct. 9 Buccaneers 21, Falcons 15
Oct. 16 Falcons 28, 49ers 14
Oct. 23 Bengals 35, Falcons 17
Oct. 30 Falcons 37, Panthers 34 OT
Nov. 6 vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 1 p.m.
Nov. 10 at Carolina, 8:15 p.m.
Nov. 20 vs. Chicago, 1 p.m.
Nov. 27 at Washington, 1 p.m.
Dec. 4 vs. Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.
BYE WEEK
Dec. 18 at New Orleans, TBD
Dec. 24 at Baltimore, 1 p.m.
Jan. 1 vs. Arizona, 1 p.m.
Jan. 8 vs. Tampa Bay, TBD
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