Falcons put Patterson on IR, seek new starting running back

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons must find a new starting running back after placing Cordarrelle Patterson on injured reserve on Monday with a knee injury.

Coach Arthur Smith said Patterson had a minor knee procedure.

Patterson will miss at least four games, leaving rookie Tyler Allgeier and Caleb Huntley as the top healthy running backs for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay.

Huntley, called up from the practice squad on Saturday, was signed to the 53-man roster on Monday. Huntley had 10 carries for 56 yards and a touchdown in Atlanta's 23-20 win over Cleveland on Sunday.

Allgeier led the Falcons with 84 yards rushing on 10 carries against the Browns. Patterson had nine carries for 38 yards and a touchdown.

Entering the weekend, Patterson ranked third in the NFL in rushing after setting career highs in two of the Falcons' first three games. He ran for 141 yards in a 27-23 win at Seattle on Sept. 25.

Patterson has rushed for 340 yards with three touchdowns through four games. The former wide receiver has four catches for 28 yards.

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