BREAKING: Falcons Get 'Very Positive' News on Jeff Okudah Injury

Atlanta Falcons corner Jeff Okudah is set to miss time following an ankle injury, but the results from his MRI remain better than expected.

Some 24 hours ago, Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith stood in front of reporters, holding his breath in regard to the injury status of starting cornerback Jeff Okudah, who was carted off moments before.

Smith couldn't dive deep into detail, stressing that he'd wait until the MRI results were in - and now, back in front of reporters again on Saturday, they were ... with "very positive" news.

Okudah, who hurt his right ankle, is expected to be back early in the season, though Smith didn't elaborate on how soon, nor the exact specifics of his injury, but stressed how positive of an outcome this has proven to be.

"We feel really good for Jeff all things considered," Smith said.

Nonetheless, the Falcons will be without their projected starter opposite All-Pro corner A.J. Terrell for at least the next several weeks - but still, it's much better than some of the alternative outcomes.

Without Okudah, the Falcons turned to veterans Tre Flowers and Mike Hughes on the outside during Saturday's training camp practice session, with Flowers getting a majority of the reps and Hughes mixing in throughout the morning.

For Okudah, it's another disappointing twist, as he missed nearly half of 2020 and all but one game in 2021 due to injuries and was seeking a fresh, healthy start after being traded to the Falcons by the Detroit Lions this spring.

And while it appears the injury bug followed Okudah to his new home, it's nowhere near as bad as it could've been - and the Falcons should get back to full strength in their secondary than expected.

You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft

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