Tyler Allgeier vs. Caleb Huntley vs. Avery Williams: Who Takes Over for Falcons with Cordarrelle Patterson on IR?

The Atlanta Falcons' offense has been one of the NFL's most fun surprises this season, but one of their core playmakers is now out for the foreseeable future.

According to a release sent out by the team, running back Cordarelle Patterson is headed to injured reserve following a "minor procedure Monday morning" regarding an ongoing knee injury. As a result, he will miss a minimum of four games by going on IR.

Patterson has three touchdowns along with 348 yards through the first four games of the season. Fellow backs Tyler Allegeier and Caleb Huntley stepped up in his absence, along with Avery Williams as the trio rushed for a combined 161 yards on just 21 carries.

With Patterson out, who is most likely to take the lead back role in Arthur Smith's offense?

Tyler Allgeier Appears to Have Early Lead over Caleb Huntley, Avery Williams

Both Allgeier and Huntley each ran the ball 10 times against the Browns in the Falcons' victory on Sunday, but I lean on Allgeier having a slight edge for more volume, at least in the interim.

Allgeier, the Falcons' fifth round pick out of BYU, doubled up Huntley on snaps 24:12, and has seen his role increase every game since Week 2 of the season.

Huntley ended up getting the lone rushing touchdown between the three backs on Sunday, so bettors should continue to monitor his snap count inside the red zone and in particular, from inside the 10-yard line. Huntley currently has 3 carries from inside-the-10 for 12 yards and a touchdown, compared to just two rushes for 8 yards for Allgeier.

While Allgeier could play a bigger role initially, he may be a candidate to sell high on if he gets off to a strong start. Smith appears set on using multiple running backs in his offense, and with the team running well and efficiently with multiple backs going in and out, it's a trend that could continue while Patterson remains out.

After projected to finish in the basement of the NFC, Atlanta is 2-2 on the season; tied for first place with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who they face in Week 5 on Sunday from Raymond James Stadium.

Despite their blowout loss at home in Week 4 to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Bucs remain very stout vs. opposing running backs, especially in the passing game. Tampa ranks first in the NFL in receiving yards allowed to running backs this year; giving up just 48 yards through four games.

Atlanta will have their hands full this week, but they'll have multiple options to consider with Patterson out for the next month.

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