Latest demoralizing loss exposes Falcons' depth issues
Only two weeks ago the Atlanta Falcons were aNOVEMBER 19, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
QADREE OLLISON
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Qadree Ollison steps in for 'big bro' Cordarrelle Patterson against Patriots Ollison was the team's leading rusher in the loss to New England.
NOVEMBER 19, 2021 • ATLANTAFALCONS.COM
Falcons' slumping offense handed first shutout in 6 years
Atlanta’s first shutout loss in six years was only the capper on a miserable week for the Falcons’ offenseNOVEMBER 19, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Swaggering Pats stifle Falcons 25-0 for 5th straight victory
Mac Jones threw a 19-yard scoring pass to Nelson Agholor for the game’s only offensive touchdown and the New England defense took care of the restNOVEMBER 19, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Falcons' thin offense has Patterson inactive vs. Patriots
Running back Cordarrelle Patterson is inactive for Atlanta against the New England Patriots, taking one of the Falcons’ most productive players away from an already depleted offens...NOVEMBER 19, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Falcons place TE Hurst, LB Bates on IR before game vs Pats
The Atlanta Falcons have made several roster moves ahead of their game against the New England PatriotsNOVEMBER 18, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Elevated as COVID-19 replacement Ollison was elevated from Atlanta's practice squad as a COVID-19 replacement for Josh Andrews on Thursday, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.
Impact Whether Ollison suits up for Thursday's game against the Patriots will likely depend on the status of Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle), who is viewed as a game-time decision. Even if Patterson sits, Ollison's role would likely be limited with Mike Davis and Wayne Gallman both ahead of him on the running back depth chart.
NOVEMBER 18, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Reverts to practice squad Ollison reverted to the Falcons' practice squad Monday.
Impact Ollison joined Atlanta early in September and was elevated to the Falcons' active roster for the first time this season in Week 9. The 2019 fifth-found pick will likely go back to his reserve role on Atlanta's practice squad, barring any injuries.
NOVEMBER 11, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Bumped up from practice squad Ollison was elevated to the Falcons' active roster Saturday, Aaron Wilson of Sportstalk 790 Houston reports.
Impact Ollison signed with the practice squad Sept. 7, but he had not been called up to the active roster this season before Saturday. The 2019 fifth-round selection of the Falcons has appeared in 11 games between 2019 and 2020, getting 23 carries for 53 yards and four touchdowns.
NOVEMBER 6, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Signed to Atlanta's practice squad The Falcons signed Ollison to their practice squad Tuesday.
Impact The Falcons waived Ollison after adding Wayne Gallman in free agency. The Falcons released Sam Jones to make room for Ollison on the practice squad.
SEPTEMBER 7, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Falls back in pecking order Ollison was the third back to enter the Falcons' final preseason game Sunday, rushing five times for 21 yards in a 19-10 loss to Cleveland.
Impact Ollison ran with the first unit last week against the Dolphins, hinting that he was the first backup in Atlanta, but it was Caleb Huntley who relieved Mike Davis against the Browns. Head coach Arthur Smith didn't offer any insight on the depth battle after the game, so we will have to assume both backs are still in the mix. Davis is the main fantasy target in Atlanta, but whoever ends up second on the depth chart could carve out some value if a timeshare develops heading into a Week 1 matchup against the Eagles.
AUGUST 30, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
First back on field Ollison carried the ball seven times for 21 yards in Saturday's preseason game against the Dolphins.
Impact Ollison did not participate in the team's first preseason game, so this served as his 2021 debut. He was the first back on the field and was heavily involved on the first three offensive possessions. Mike Davis was among the Falcons' players who didn't take the field, though it appears that Ollison remains in position to serve as Davis' primary backup.
AUGUST 22, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Held out of opener Ollison was in uniform for Friday's preseason game against Tennessee but didn't actually play, Tori McElhaney of The Athletic reports.
Impact Fantasy managers with interest in Ollison might've liked to see him play, but it's actually a good sign for his standing with the team to be a healthy scratch on a night where the Falcons rested their top players. Of course, projected starter Mike Davis was also held out, as was RB/WR Cordarrelle Patterson. Recent reports out of camp put Ollison in the lead for the No. 2 backfield job, and he's arguably in even better shape after fellow RBs Javian Hawkins, D'Onta Foreman and Caleb Huntley combined for only 46 total yards on 16 touches in Friday's preseason loss. Ollison should get some work next week in a preseason game against the Dolphins on Sat., Aug. 21.
AUGUST 14, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Falcons sign D'Onta Foreman, activate Kaleb McGary
The Atlanta Falcons have signed running back D’Onta ForemanAUGUST 9, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Ryan getting used to hearing new Falcons coach call plays
Matt Ryan is getting used to hearing a new voice in his helmet, so Saturday’s practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium gave him a new chance to listen to Arthur Smith call playsAUGUST 7, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Second on depth chart Ollison is working as Atlanta's No. 2 running back in practice, Tori McElhaney of The Athletic reports.
Impact Mike Davis sits atop the depth chart in the Falcons' remade backfield, but Ollison is getting a substantial number of snaps in camp. The backup job is Ollison's to lose, suggesting offseason addition Cordarrelle Patterson is likely to be used more as a gadget guy and special teams ace than as a traditional running back.
JULY 31, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
RB Davis says move to hometown Falcons a 'dream come true'
Mike Davis is eager to open his first training camp with his hometown Atlanta FalconsJULY 27, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Solid offseason showing The Falcons' coaches have "been pleased with what they've seen" from Ollison this offseason, according to Tori McElhaney of The Athletic.
Impact With Atlanta's top three rushers from 2020 (Todd Gurley, Brian Hill and Ito Smith) no longer on the roster, there's an opportunity for Ollison to carve out a role in the team's offense behind presumed starter Mike Davis. It's possible that the Falcons may add further backfield depth, but for now Ollison will battle for backup slotting with Cordarrelle Patterson, Javian Hawkins, Tony Brooks-James and Caleb Huntley. Since being taken in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Ollison has logged 23 carries for 53 yards and four TDs in 11 games, but given the team's current running back personnel, the 6-foot-1, 232-pounder has a chance to see an expanded role in his third season as a pro.
JUNE 25, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Patrick Mahomes watching Chiefs' finale against Chargers
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is inactive for their meaningless regular-season finale against the Los Angeles ChargersJANUARY 3, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Ends season as healthy scratch Ollison (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.
Impact Ollison cashed in with four rushing touchdowns during his 2019 rookie season despite receiving a total of just 22 carries. His offensive role this season was virtually obsolete, as the 24-year-old ends his sophomore campaign with one rush for three yards (and zero TDs) over three game appearances.
JANUARY 3, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Dwayne Haskins starts for Washington despite breaking rules
Dwayne Haskins gets his second consecutive start for Washington with quarterback Alex Smith out again because of a right calf injuryDECEMBER 27, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Healthy scratch against Bucs Ollison (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's matchup against the Buccaneers.
Impact Atlanta rolls into Week 15 deploying a trio of active backs with Todd Gurley, Brian Hill and Ito Smith each dressing for the NFC South showdown. Ollison has been sparsely involved this season for the Falcons' 25th-ranked rushing attack, fielding just one carry over 13 combined offensive snaps in his three game appearances.
DECEMBER 20, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Eagles missing 3 starters in secondary against Cardinals
The Eagles are missing three starters in secondary against ArizonaDECEMBER 20, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Colts have left tackle Castonzo, LB Okereke vs. Raiders
Indianapolis left tackle Anthony Castonzo and starting linebacker Bobby Okereke are both active for the Colts’ visit to the Las Vegas RaidersDECEMBER 13, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
QB Jones inactive for Giants; McCoy to start at Seattle
The New York Giants will be without starting quarterback Daniel Jones for Sunday’s game against the Seattle SeahawksDECEMBER 6, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
