Falcons' Arthur Smith 'Optimistic' About Jeff Okudah Injury Return

Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jeff Okudah injured his ankle on Aug. 4 in training camp.

Jeremy Brener | Aug 27, 2023

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Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jeff Okudah is recovering from his ankle injury he suffered towards the beginning of training camp.

Okudah, 24, was injured on Aug. 4, but there was hope that he may not miss any regular season games. Coach Arthur Smith updated reporters about his injury, but didn't reveal whether or not he would play in the team's Week 1 contest.

“I’m still optimistic," Smith said. "I’m not going to put a timeline on it. What I said it then, I still feel very optimistic.”

Okudah played in 15 games in 2022 and had one interception, which he ran back for a touchdown. The former Ohio State Buckeye also set career-highs in tackles (73) and passes defended (7).

Okudah's fifth-year option was declined by the Falcons, making him a free agent at season's end and 2023 the most important year of his career. Atlanta is due to pay him $3.6 million for this season.

When he returns, Okudah will likely start alongside A.J. Terrell, his 2020 draft classmate. Okudah was selected by the Detroit Lions with the No. 3 pick, while Terrell went to the Falcons with the No. 16 selection.

Okudah and the Falcons play the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in two weeks' time on Sept. 10 at 1 p.m.

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Published Aug 27, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.