Todd Gurley

Falcons acknowledge Todd Gurley no longer lead back

Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley's role has changed, interim head coach Raheem Morris acknowledged Monday.

What It Means:

Morris also said that Ito Smith is "the lead runner right now." Gurley rushed once for negative-1 yards in the Falcons' Week 15 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has 23 carries for 60 yards over the last four games while Smith has 37 carries for 167 yards and a touchdown. Morris' comments make it clear that Gurley is no more than the second option in the Falcons' backfield as they shift focus toward a Week 16 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Gurley has earned the second-worst rushing grade (57.4) from Pro Football Focus this season among backs with at least 100 carries. The Chiefs are allowing the 10th-most FanDuel points per game to the running back position this season.