The Atlanta Falcons left their fans with a bad taste in their mouths after a 25-0 loss to the New England Patriots on Thursday Night Football. The season must go on, though, and as Falcons head coach Arthur Smith pointed out, a lot can happen in seven games.
Check out our Wednesday updates as Atlanta prepares to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 12.
Cordarrelle Patterson back at practice
Arthur Smith said Matt Ryan, Cordarrelle Patterson and Jaylinn Hawkins will all be out at practice today.
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) November 24, 2021
Patterson has been the Falcons’ most productive offensive player this season and his Week 11 absence played a role in the team’s 25-0 loss to New England. Smith said Patterson, Matt Ryan and Jaylinn Hawkins would each be at practice on Wednesday. It sounds like all three have a good chance at playing Sunday. However, Patterson practiced all three days last week and still did not play, so it’s worth keeping tabs on.
Ollison earning more touches
Arthur Smith said Qadree Ollison ran a pretty physical game last Thursday, and "he's earned the right for more carries."
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) November 24, 2021
Ollison finally got a chance in Week 11 and ran well before the game got out of hand. Going forward, Smith says Ollison has “earned the right for more carries.”
Against the Patriots, Ollison rushed nine times for 34 yards and was averaging over 5.0 yards per carry in the first half. Patterson’s status will likely affect Ollison’s role in Week 12.
Arthur Smith on Thanksgiving
Falcons HC Arthur Smith "I think there's something wrong with you if you don't like mac and cheese."
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) November 24, 2021
Falcons HC Arthur Smith — fan of pumpkin pie.
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) November 24, 2021
Patriots linebacker Matt Judon made waves on Tuesday when he had harsh criticism of macaroni and cheese. Falcons head coach Arthur Smith defended the dish on Wednesday. “There’s something wrong with you if you don’t like mac and cheese,” said Smith.
I have to side with Smith on this one. Mac and cheese on its own may not be all that great, but it’s an absolute must on Thanksgiving.
Matt Ryan's toe okay
Falcons QB Matt Ryan said his toe feels good.
So it sounds like he'll be fine for Jacksonville. He hurt the toe early against New England.
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) November 24, 2021
Ryan has taken such a beating this season, it seems as if we take his health for granted. The former MVP injured his toe during Thursday’s loss to the Patriots but said it isn’t bothering him on Wednesday. The Falcons will need Ryan if they have any chance at capturing one of the remaining NFC playoff seeds.
John Cominsky warming up with OLBs?
#Falcons DT John Cominsky warming up with the OLBs today. pic.twitter.com/LQyYaSctzd
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) November 24, 2021
The Falcons haven’t really found a role for defensive lineman John Cominsky this season. After playing in 13 games in 2020, Cominsky has logged just two defensive snaps in 2021. On Wednesday, he was warming up with the outside linebackers. While this could mean nothing, it suggests the team is trying find a role that better suits Cominsky’s skill set. It honestly doesn’t hurt to try considering what little depth the Falcons have on the roster.
NFC Playoff standings
Despite what your eyes may tell you, the Atlanta Falcons are still firmly in the NFC playoff race following their 25-0 loss to the Patriots https://t.co/CICkeGSmuf
— The Falcons Wire (@TheFalconsWire) November 24, 2021
The Falcons are still hanging in there despite two ugly losses in Weeks 10 and 11. Atlanta has a chance to turn things around in Week 12 when the team takes on the 2-8 Jacksonville Jaguars.
Falcons roster moves: New punter in town
Falcons sign punter Thomas Morstead https://t.co/IkZyTvsVzG
— The Falcons Wire (@TheFalconsWire) November 24, 2021
The Falcons signed former Saints punter Thomas Morstead on Tuesday after starter Dustin Colquitt landed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Atlanta also brought back Dom Maggio to the practice squad.
Arthur Blank speaks on Ahmaud Arbery verdict
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) November 24, 2021
Falcons Week 12 injury report: Wednesday updates
Patterson’s absence undoubtedly played a role in Atlanta being shut out by New England on Thursday night. https://t.co/NeOgyshCpV
— The Falcons Wire (@TheFalconsWire) November 24, 2021