Cordarrelle Patterson injury update: Week 9 fantasy outlook for the Atlanta Falcons' running back

Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson was placed on injured reserve after he suffered a knee injury in Week 4. It has now been four weeks and Patterson is eligible to come off IR this week and potentially play in Week 9 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Patterson had a minor procedure on his knee after the injury that kept him away from football. Cordarelle Patterson was seen practicing with the team this week but still hasn't come off injured reserve.

The Atlanta Falcons are currently taking care of the running back, who is majorly important to them for the second half of the season. Unless he is brought back from the IR list, he cannot play in Week 9. If the Falcons feel he is ready, he will face the Chargers on Sunday, but likely in a reduced capacity.

Atlanta are 4-4 on the season and are the surprise leaders of the NFC South division. The Falcons defeated the Carolina Panthers 37-34 last Sunday in overtime. With their division looking soft this season, the playoffs are a real possibility and Atlanta will want Patterson at his best.

Cordarrelle Patterson fantasy outlook

Cordarrelle Patterson - Cleveland Browns v Atlanta Falcons

If you have Cordarelle Patterson, then we would suggest you bench him for this week. It won't be easy, as there are limited options in Week 9 as six teams have byes. If Patterson plays, he will likely see a reduced number of touches, which could be disastrous for your matchup. The Falcons will likely stick with a combination of Tyler Allgeier, Caleb Huntley, and Keith Smith.

Patterson is the Falcons' best running back. He is the team's rusher leader, even after missing so many games. In his four games this season, he has rushed for 340 yards and a touchdown from 58 carries. He has an average of 5.9 yards per carry.

Patterson is playing his tenth season in the NFL and his second with the Falcons. Last season, he started in 13 of 16 games and recorded six touchdowns and 618 yards. He also recorded 548 yards and five touchdowns through the air. Cordarrelle Patterson will return soon, but Week 9 feels too early.