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Update:
Falcons coach Arthur Smith told media that he received positive news about cornerback Jeff Okudah’s ankle injury and that Okudah is expected to return early on in the season.
Original Story:
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jeff Okudah, the third overall pick from the 2020 draft, was forced to be carted off practice on Friday due to an apparent leg injury.
The incident occurred during a 1-on-1 drill when Okudah was defending wide receiver Frank Darby.
Various reporters from the Falcons camp reported that Okudah went down while engaging in the drill, clutching his lower right leg in discomfort.
Bad news: #Falcons CB Jeff Okudah carted off practice field with a leg injury.
The former 3rd overall pick was traded from the #Lions this offseason to the Falcons
(📷 @evzntv) pic.twitter.com/QO0KUjgDhP
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 4, 2023
The team’s medical personnel promptly attended to him on the field, and after initial assessment, Okudah was carefully assisted onto a cart for further evaluation and treatment.
Okudah’s football journey has been marked by injury challenges. Despite being selected as a high draft pick by the Detroit Lions, he battled various injuries that limited his participation to only 10 games during his first two seasons.
Okudah’s managed to find his footing last year, participating in 15 games and showcasing his skills with 73 tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble.
Detroit ultimately traded Okudah to the Falcons in exchange for a fifth-round pick this offseason, giving him a fresh start with his new team.
The hope was that Okudah could contribute significantly to the Falcons’ defense in the upcoming 2023 season.
Unfortunately, this recent injury has cast uncertainty over Okudah’s availability for the upcoming season.