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Atlanta Falcons RB/WR/KR Cordarrelle Patterson on the move? ; Which forgotten offensive talents will emerge as the trade deadline approaches? – Week 6

Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson could be on the move as the NFL approaches its annual trade deadline. Patterson, a versatile offensive weapon that can play in the backfield and line up at receiver, has been sparingly used by the Falcons this season.

The All-Pro kick returner has been fazed out of the offensive gameplan in Atlanta, playing just six total snaps of offense this season. The Falcons used their first-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft to select star running back Bijan Robinson from the Texas Longhorns. This move surprised some, with Atlanta already rostering a 1,000-yard running back from the previous year. During his inaugural NFL campaign, Tyler Allgeier, an undrafted rookie in 2022, ran for 1,035 yards on 4.9 yards per attempt.

Mainly a wide receiver and a kick returner in his early years, Patterson transformed his offensive game during his first year with the Atlanta Falcons in 2021. The then-30-year-old posted career highs in rushing attempts (153), rushing yards (618), rushing touchdowns (six), receptions (52), receiving yards (548), and receiving touchdowns (five). The former Tennessee Volunteer remained a focal point of the Atlanta offense in 2022, rushing for 695 yards and eight touchdowns on 144 attempts. He also caught 21 passes.

However, after playing 47% of the offensive snaps from 2021-2022, Patterson has played just 4% this season. The presence of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier has virtually made Patterson’s role nonexistent. Notably, Patterson has played in just two games this season after missing time with a thigh injury. The South Carolina native has just one reception for seven yards this season. He has not earned a rush attempt.

Cordarrelle Patterson would provide any NFL team with a versatile playmaker on offense. Additionally, he has led the league in kick return touchdowns six times in his 11-year NFL career.

Patterson needs just a manageable workload to contribute, playing over 50% of the offensive snaps just once during his NFL tenure. Injuries or the need for additional offensive weapons could open the door for Patterson to be on the move sooner rather than later.

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Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Calais Campbell is donating $100,000 to 100 teachers across the four cities he’s played professional football in – Phoenix, Jacksonville, Baltimore, and Atlanta – as part of his CRC Foundation’s “100 Sack Give Back” initiative. In addition to the initial $100,000, Campbell is donating $20,000 to support teachers in Denver and Miami, where he played high school and collegiate football, respectively. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)AP

At least that’s the case when it comes to Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Calais Campbell, who on Sunday recorded his 100th career sack in the NFL against the Washington Commanders.

To celebrate his statistical milestone, Campbell and his CRC Foundation launched its “100 Sack Give Back” initiative to donate $100,000 to across the U.S. through the Kids in Need Foundation.

The “100 Sack Give Back” initiative will financially support 100 teachers, comprised of 25 teachers from each of the four cities he’s played professional football in – Phoenix, Jacksonville, Baltimore, and Atlanta. Each individual teacher will receive $500 to use to purchase classroom materials.

In addition to the $100,000 donation, Campbell will also donate $20,000 to support teachers in Denver – where he attended South High School – and Miami – where he attended the University of Miami.

“I’ve always been someone that success is best shared with the people you love,” Campbell said in a news release. “Football is an amazing job because it brings communities together. That’s why I want to share this milestone with the special communities that cheered for me and supported me throughout my career. I want to share this moment with them because teachers are the most important part of any community.”

The CRC Foundation is a nonprofit organization created in honor of Charles Richard Campbell, Calais’ father, which focuses on “developing our community to reach its full potential through mentorship, education and providing resources,” according to the foundation’s website.