Falcons DB Jeff Okudah 'Ahead' of Schedule on Injury Return, Not Ruled Out vs. Panthers

Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith delivered positive news on injured cornerback Jeff Okudah's recovery.

The Atlanta Falcons' secondary may get a considerable boost during this Sunday's season opener against the Carolina Panthers.

Speaking with reporters Wednesday, Falcons coach Arthur Smith revealed that starting cornerback Jeff Okudah is "getting close" to returning and "ahead of where (Atlanta) thought he'd be."

Smith added that Okudah, who suffered a right ankle injury in early August, won't practice on Wednesday but it's still too soon to rule him out for Sunday.

"He is making a lot of progress," Smith said.

When Okudah initially went down in camp, he was expected to return in the early part of the season, but Smith didn't place a specific number on it.

The 24-year-old Okudah is coming off his healthiest and most productive season to date, starting 15 games and logging 73 tackles, seven passes defended, two tackles for loss and an interception as a member of the Detroit Lions.

Across the previous two campaigns, Okudah played in just 10 games with seven starts, battling a plethora of injuries headlined by a torn Achilles.

The Falcons took a low-risk trade to acquire Okudah this spring, sending a fifth-round pick in April's draft that turned into former University of Virginia receiver Dontayvion Wicks.

Atlanta's aim is to help Okudah rediscover the form that made him the No. 3 overall pick in 2020, and defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen said during OTAs that he believes the change of scenery has been positive for the former Ohio State star.

Okudah provided glimpses during training camp of being the same physical, quick-footed player that made him so highly touted and appeared to be trending in the right direction before his injury.

If Okudah is unable to play, the Falcons will likely turn to either Mike Hughes or Tre Flowers at No. 2 cornerback behind A.J. Terrell. Flowers received most of the reps in Okudah's place during the middle to latter portion of training camp.

It's still too early to know if Okudah will make his Falcons debut Sunday - but even just having the conversation feels like it cements Smith's point about the talented corner being very much so ahead of schedule, which is certainly a positive development for Atlanta's secondary.