Cordarrelle Patterson’s status was the story of the week for the Falcons. We saw reports he might not play, learned he would be a gametime decision, and fervently hoped he would suit up in a tough matchup if he was healthy enough to do so. As is often the case with hope and Falcons fandom, ours were in vain.
Patterson is among the team’s inactives for Thursday Night Football, leaving Arthur Smith and company to figure out who can produce on the ground and in their air in his stead. There are some surprises on the list this week, as well.