Falcons’ Cordarrelle Patterson, KhaDarel Hodge return to practice Wednesday

Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson (84) participates in a drill during minicamp at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Tuesday, June 13, 2023, in Atlanta. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson (84) participates in a drill during minicamp at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Tuesday, June 13, 2023, in Atlanta. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

FLOWERY BRANCH — Falcons running back/wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (soft tissue) and wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge (ankle) returned to practice Wednesday.

Both were listed as limited participants on the official injury report. Tight end Jonnu Smith (rest) also did not practice.

Falcons coach Arthur Smith noted Aug. 16 that Patterson would miss several weeks with a “soft tissue” injury. Smith has used that designation for one player’s hamstring injury and another’s hip flexor.

Patterson was listed on the season’s first official, league-mandated, injury report, with a thigh injury.

Patterson, 32, is set to play his third season with the Falcons. Smith created a new position for him called the “Joker” this season. Patterson lined up mostly at running back last season and spent time there and at wide receiver in 2021.

Hodge sustained his injury in the 13-13 tie with the Bengals in the second exhibition game Aug. 18.

Patterson declined comment during open locker room. “I have to go get treatment,” he said.

The Bow Tie Chronicles