How Will Atlanta Falcons Use Cordarrelle Patterson vs. Washington Commanders?

The Atlanta Falcons will look to deploy versatile running back Cordarrelle Patterson on Sunday versus the Washington Commanders.

After being without him for the first three games of the season, the Atlanta Falcons are preparing to reinstall veteran running back Cordarrelle Patterson back into the offense. 

“If he’s out there on gameday – just like I said with Storm [Norton] – our ability to count on him, the standard. CP’s shown to do it, not just over the course of his Falcons career but his previous stops," Falcons offensive coordinator Dave Ragone said of Patterson recently. "Obviously, CP and I go back a long time. I know and think I have a pretty good feel for where he is physically, and mentally. Again, I’ve got a ton of appreciation for how he approaches things.”

Patterson, 32, finally got his first game action in the Week 4 23-7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he played just one snap, before seeing a four-snap increase in last Sunday's 21-19 win over the Houston Texans after missing time due to a thigh injury that sidelined him in training camp.

Jan 8, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson (84) runs the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

However, Sunday's contest versus the Washington Commanders could be a big one for the 32-year-old as it will mean he will have had three weeks of time on the practice field since returning from injury, which will in all likelihood, lead to an increase in snaps. 

While there is no denying that Patterson's role will be much different than even the one he played last season after Tyler Allgeier overtook him as the No. 1 back, the selection of rookie No. 8 overall pick Bijan Robinson will allow for the veteran back to serve in more of a swiss-army knife role or as the Falcons listed him on their initial depth chart, the "joker" position. 

Aside from the possibility of spelling Robinson and Allgeier in the backfield, Patterson could be moved around the field, whether it be in the slot or even out wide as a traditional receiver.  

For a Falcons offense that has shown signs of regression, whether it be having to lean more heavily on Robinson due to Allgeier's struggles or an inconsistent passing game, Patterson's re-emergence could provide a boost in both areas.