Patterson joined the Steelers this offseason and the expectation is that he could quickly win the kick returner job -- a role that has more meaning given the NFL's change in kickoff rules. Patterson is unlikely to earn a Fantasy role worth rostering outside of leagues that heavily reward return yardage because he has both Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren ahead of him on the depth chart.
Steelers' Cordarrelle Patterson: Long touchdown to close preseason
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Patterson rushed the ball three times for 31 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 31-24 preseason loss to the Lions.
With Jaylen Warren (hamstring) sidelined, Patterson was the second back on the field behind Najee Harris. Patterson played with both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, but his highlight of the game came on the team's first drive, when he ripped through the middle of the field for a 31-yard touchdown scamper. Warren looks likely to be ready for Week 1, but Patterson would likely get extra passing-down work and some occasional carries if Warren is unable to suit up.
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Steelers' Cordarrelle Patterson: Activated after physical pass
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Patterson (hamstring) was activated by the Steelers on Friday as he passed his physical, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
Patterson was placed on the reserve/non-football back in late July, but the passing of a physical was enough for him to now get activated. The veteran running back and return specialist will likely see the bulk of his opportunities this season as the Steelers' kick returner, as he sits behind Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren in the backfield depth chart.
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Steelers' Cordarrelle Patterson: Dealing with hamstring issue
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The Steelers placed Patterson on the reserve/non-football injury list Wednesday with a hamstring injury, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
Patterson was evidently injured while away from the team, hence his placement on the NFI list. He can be activated at any time during training camp or the preseason. Patterson signed a two-year deal with the Steelers in the offseason, giving Pittsburgh an experienced return man as well as depth out of the backfield behind Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.
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Steelers' Cordarrelle Patterson: Takes talents to Pittsburgh
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The Steelers and Patterson agreed to terms on a two-year, $6 million contract Tuesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
With this move to Pittsburgh, Patterson reunites with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who he worked under the past three seasons in Atlanta. Patterson reeled off 1,313 rushing yards, 670 receiving yards and 19 total touchdowns in 29 games between 2021 and 2022, but his numbers fell off once the Falcons drafted Bijan Robinson. With the Steelers, Patterson will be in a similar spot as the No. 3 RB behind Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, but the 33-year-old could have a big year as a kickoff returner under the NFL's new rules.
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Falcons' Cordarrelle Patterson: Falls flat in 2023
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Patterson finished the 2023 campaign with 50 rushing attempts for 181 yards and caught nine of 12 targets for 38 receiving yards and a touchdown in 14 appearances. He also totaled 153 kick-return yards.
A thigh injury cost Patterson the first three games of 2023, and he struggled to carve out a role after that, resulting in his worst statistical campaign since 2015. After a breakout in 2021, the veteran scored a career-high eight rushing touchdowns in 2022, but he was firmly planted behind Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier on the depth chart this season. Patterson is entering back-to-back void years on his contract, and it remains to be seen if he'll stick in Atlanta for his age-33 season. Arthur Smith has been fired, and the Falcons have yet to replace him, so Patterson's standing with the franchise is just one of numerous questions surrounding the team heading into the offseason.
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Falcons' Cordarrelle Patterson: Nine touches in double-digit win
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Patterson rushed seven times for 26 yards and caught both of his targets for seven yards during Sunday's 29-10 win over the Colts.
Patterson's nine touches were his second-highest mark of the season, and the only time he reached double figures was because of Bijan Robinson's lack of availability due to an illness. Patterson's offensive role has increased slightly over the last couple of weeks, but he's still not worth a look in standard leagues as long as Robinson and Tyler Allgeier are available.
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Falcons' Cordarrelle Patterson: Score salvages poor production
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Patterson rushed five times for minus-2 yards and caught one of three targets for two yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 9-7 loss to Carolina.
Patterson touched the ball seven times and totaled zero yards, which is abysmal efficiency, but he salvaged his fantasy line by scoring the game's only touchdown. Since Atlanta's Week 11 bye, Patterson has rushed 21 times for 59 yards and caught two of five targets for eight yards over the team's past four appearances. As long as Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier are available, Patterson's fantasy value is limited, and he'll likely have to find the end zone to sniff relevancy in standard leagues.
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Falcons' Cordarrelle Patterson: Three carries in loss
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Patterson rushed three times for seven yards in Sunday's 29-25 loss to the Buccaneers.
Patterson played just 12 of the Falcons' 72 offensive snaps Sunday while continuing his role as Atlanta's No. 3 running back. The veteran's three rushing attempts were his fewest since Week 10 as he sees the field in relief of both Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. Barring injuries to Robinson and Allgeier, Patterson's fantasy utility is extremely limited. The 32-year-old should remain far off the fantasy radar when the Falcons visit the Panthers in Week 15.
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Falcons' Cordarrelle Patterson: Small part of offense
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Patterson rushed five times for 11 yards and caught one of two targets for six yards during Sunday's 13-8 win over the Jets.
Five of Patterson's six touches came in the first half, and his lone second-half touch went for negative-one yard. The veteran fumbled his final touch of the first half out of bounds, so his lack of ball security may have played a part in his limited role down the stretch. Either way, Patterson's fantasy value remains limited as long as Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier are healthy.
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Falcons' Cordarrelle Patterson: Makes impact with limited work
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Patterson rushed eight times for 43 yards during Sunday's 24-15 win over the Saints. He also returned two kickoffs for 43 yards.
Patterson's eight touches were his most since Week 7, when he rushed 10 times for 56 yards with Bijan Robinson limited by an illness. The veteran was on the field for only 16 offensive snaps Sunday, which makes his modest production even more impressive. The majority of Patterson's production came in the second quarter, as he finished the period with four carries for 32 yards. The Falcons rushed 41 times compared to just 21 pass attempts, and Patterson was third in rushing attempts behind Robinson (16) and Tyler Allgeier (10). While it was encouraging to see Patterson more involved offensively, his fantasy value remains limited as long as Robinson and Allgeier are healthy.
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Falcons' Cordarrelle Patterson: Modest role in loss
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Patterson rushed three times for 13 yards and caught both of his targets for seven yards during Sunday's 25-23 loss to Arizona.
Patterson's five offensive touches were the second most he's garnered this season and the most he's seen when both Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier are healthy. Atlanta leaned heavily on the run Sunday, as Taylor Heinicke (hamstring) and Desmond Ridder combined to throw for less than 100 yards during the loss. While Patterson's increased workload is something to note, the veteran still isn't handling a large enough role to warrant attention in standard fantasy leagues.
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Falcons' Cordarrelle Patterson: Not bothered by ankle
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Patterson was held out of Wednesday's practice for rest purposes rather than because of an ankle injury, Amna Subhan of the Falcons' official site reports.
Patterson briefly left Sunday's loss against the Vikings due to an ankle issue but was able to return and finish out the game in his usual role as the Falcons' No. 3 running back and kickoff returner. His absence from practice Wednesday apparently isn't indicative of any issue with the ankle and is just a matter of the Falcons resting one of their elder statesmen). As such, Patterson should be fine for his usual small role on offense this Sunday at Arizona.
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Falcons' Cordarrelle Patterson: Not practicing
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Patterson (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday, Terrin Waack of the Falcons' official site reports.
Patterson rejoined Sunday's 31-28 loss to Minnesota after leaving with an ankle injury, but he may be dealing with some swelling, given that he sat out Atlanta's first Week 10 practice. He's merely served as the No. 3 running back this season, so a potential absence for Sunday's game at Arizona wouldn't have much impact on head coach Arthur Smith's game plan.
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Falcons' Cordarrelle Patterson: Meager role in loss
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Patterson (ankle) rushed one time for zero yards and caught his only target for three yards during Sunday's 31-28 loss to the Vikings.
Patterson saw two touches, including on the second play of the game, in the first half before leaving with an ankle injury. The veteran was cleared to take the field to start the second half, but his role remained meager. Patterson had a fourth-down conversion and a nine-yard run in the second half negated by penalties, but those were his only opportunities after returning to action. It's clear the Falcons have a few plays designed specifically for Patterson every week, but as long as Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier are healthy, Patterson will likely be limited to kick-return and gadget duties.
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Falcons' Cordarrelle Patterson: Returns for second half
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Patterson (ankle) returned to Sunday's game against the Vikings for the start of the second half, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.
Deemed questionable to return to the game after sustaining an ankle injury in the first half, Patterson was back deep for the Falcons' first kickoff return of the third quarter following a Vikings field goal on the prior possession. Patterson looks like he'll be able to serve as the Falcons' kickoff man for the rest of the day, but expect him to continue to handle only a light role on offense.
Patterson was forced out of Sunday's game against the Vikings with an ankle injury, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.
Prior to exiting the contest, Patterson carried once for zero yards and caught his only target for three yards. With Mack Hollins also having sustained an ankle injury Sunday, the Falcons -- who were already without Drake London (groin) -- are now seeing their depth on offense being taxed in Week 9.
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Falcons' Cordarrelle Patterson: Tops 50 yards with Robinson unwell
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Patterson rushed 10 times for 56 yards and wasn't targeted in Sunday's 16-13 win over the Buccaneers. He also returned one kickoff for 25 yards.
Patterson came into the game with just three touches on the season after producing 1,983 scrimmage yards and 19 offensive touchdowns over the previous two campaigns. Rookie lead back Bijan Robinson didn't feel well, per Greg Auman of Fox Sports, and with Robinson limited to just one touch, both Tyler Allgeier (21 carries for 59 yards) and Patterson set season highs in rushing attempts. Patterson was far more efficient than Allgeier, and it's possible that this strong outing could earn the 32-year-old playmaker a larger role in Week 8 against the Titans and beyond.
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Falcons' Cordarrelle Patterson: Plays 10 offensive snaps
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Patterson caught his only target for six yards and rushed once for zero yards during Sunday's 24-16 loss to the Commanders.
Patterson made his season debut in Week 4 but played just one offensive snap. His workload increased to five offensive snaps in Week 5, when he secured his lone target for seven yards while also returning a kickoff for 35 yards. The veteran's snap count rose again in Week 6, but his production remained limited. As long as Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier are healthy, Patterson will likely be relegated to a gadget role and won't have much fantasy value.
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Falcons' Cordarrelle Patterson: Plays five offensive snaps
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Patterson caught his lone target for seven yards during Sunday's 21-19 win over the Texans. He also returned one kickoff for 35 yards.
Patterson, who was sidelined with a thigh injury to begin 2023, made his season debut in Week 4, but he played just one offensive snap. The veteran's role slightly increased versus Houston, and he garnered his first touch of the season, but it appears he's still working his way back to game speed. While the offensive production was modest, Patterson did make a splash on special teams, and he figures to get more kick-return opportunities moving forward now that his offensive workload is reduced with Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier leading the backfield.
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Falcons' Cordarrelle Patterson: Limited in season debut
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Patterson (thigh) didn't record any counting stats across seven snaps (one offensive) during Sunday's 23-7 loss to Jacksonville.
After missing the first three games of the season due to a thigh injury, Patterson was cleared to suit up Sunday but played primarily on special teams. Head coach Arthur Smith said the running back was limited mainly due to how the game unfolded. Patterson is expected to fill the "Joker" role on offense, and Smith noted that there were a few things planned for him versus the Jaguars. However, the coach opted to be cautious with the veteran, who's still working his way back into game shape. "You get a healthy [Patterson] out there, that can certainly help our offense," Smith said, per Terrin Waack of the Falcons' official site.
