Patriots' Harris likely to play; Falcons' Patterson unlikely

New England Patriots running back Damien Harris Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots RB Damien Harris likely to play Thursday; Falcons RB/WR Cordarrelle Patterson facing 'uphill battle'

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 11/18/21

The New England Patriots have rattled off four wins in a row and should have a significant part of their offense returning after a one-game absence when they face the Atlanta Falcons on "Thursday Night Football."

The Falcons meanwhile, look like they'll be without their most diverse offensive weapon for the prime-time showdown.

Ian Rapoport on @GreshKeefe with some injury updates for Thursday night.

On Damien Harris: "It would be a surprise if he did not (play)."

On Cordarrelle Patterson: "It sounds like he was very, very limited in practice. ... It seems like an uphill battle (to play)."
— Ryan Hannable (@RyanHannable) November 18, 2021

In nine games this season, Harris leads the team in rushing attempts (133), rushing yards (547) and rushing touchdowns (seven). Those figures place the third-year back ninth, 12th and tied for fourth in the NFL respectively.

Patterson has made four Pro Bowls in his eight-plus seasons, but now on his fifth team, the 30-year-old had always made his biggest impact on special teams. In his first year with Atlanta, Patterson has already set career-highs in receiving yards (473), receiving touchdowns (five), rushing attempts (77) and rushing yards (303).

If Patterson can't go, the Falcons will likely have to rely primarily on Mike Davis in the backfield, who has recorded just 289 rushing yards and one touchdown on a team-high 88 carries. Through the air, quarterback Matt Ryan will still have rookie tight end Kyle Pitts, who leads the squad in targets (64), receptions (40) and receiving yards (606).

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