'Give Me More!' Falcons' Jeff Okudah Impressing During Injury Rehab

Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jeff Okudah has impressed assistant head coach Jerry Gray despite being unable to play.

The Atlanta Falcons will be without cornerback Jeff Okudah for Sunday’s season opener against the Carolina Panthers.

Okudah, who suffered an ankle injury in August, hasn’t been able to practice. Yet, his long-awaited Atlanta debut has Falcons staffers excited. Assistant head coach Jerry Gray spoke about Okudah’s rehab and progress ahead of Week 1.

“When things happen, you can’t control stuff that you have no control over,” Gray said. “What do you have control over right now? I can study film. I can get my mind right to go … Don’t be a catch-up mental guy, just be catch-up physically, so when you go out there, you’re ready to go.”

Okudah has spent extensive time in the film room, where mental reps have proven as important as physical ones. He’s hungry and humble, and it shows.

“He wants more,” Gray added. “‘Hey, give me more Coach, give me more,’ He’s pretty much always in my office.”

The Detroit Lions took Okudah third overall in 2020. Injuries, including a ruptured Achilles in 2021, disrupted his development. When he did manage to get on the field, he frequently looked overmatched. Aside from momentary flashes, there was little to resemble the blue-chip pedigree he was supposed to carry. In 2022, he totaled a mere five pass breakups and a single interception.

Both the Falcons and their new cornerback are hoping a change of scenery can help flip that switch. If his dutiful preparation is any indication, Okudah seems to be headed on the right track.

“He’s not going to take a step back because he’s mentally ready to go,” said Gray.

Atlanta won’t be able to lean on Okudah on Sunday, but they opted to keep him on the 53-man roster rather than placing him on injured reserve. Falcons fans can expect to see a healthy, prepared Okudah in the next few weeks. In a NFC South that seems ready for the taking, his presence will be eagerly anticipated.