NW Atlanta News

The Atlanta Falcons have elevated inside linebacker Josh Woods and kicker Riley Patterson from the practice squad for their Week 13 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. This announcement was made on Saturday, ahead of Sunday's game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

This marks Woods' second elevation this season with the Falcons. His previous elevation occurred during the team's Week 5 overtime victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he participated in 16 special teams snaps but did not record any statistics. Woods entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2019 and has played for several teams, including the Arizona Cardinals and Detroit Lions. His most productive season was in 2023 when he recorded 61 tackles and other defensive contributions.

Riley Patterson, also joining as an undrafted free agent in 2021, has been part of multiple teams like the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns. He made his debut this season with the Jets in Week 9, successfully converting all three extra-point attempts. In 2022, Patterson had a standout season with a high field goal conversion rate.

The decision to elevate Woods comes as a precautionary measure despite three inside linebackers—JD Bertrand, Troy Andersen, and Nate Landman—being listed on the injury report earlier this week but participating fully in Friday's practice without game designations.

Patterson's elevation is linked to Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo being listed as questionable on Friday’s report. Head coach Raheem Morris mentioned that they are confident about Koo's availability but consider Patterson an "emergency" option.

Additionally, offensive lineman Jovaughn Gwyn was signed to the practice squad after being released from the active roster earlier this week.

The Falcons-Chargers game is set for Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on CBS.

Teams are allowed to elevate up to two practice squad players per game under current league rules. A player can be elevated a maximum of three times before needing to be signed to the active roster if required again.