Falcons demote All-Pro RB Todd Gurley to backup role

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Falcons demote All-Pro running back Todd Gurley to backup role

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 12/21/20

Todd Gurley is no longer the Atlanta Falcons starting running back.

Falcons interim head coach Raheem Morris said Monday that Ito Smith is now the team's lead rusher while Gurley will be used as the second back, according to team reporter Kelsey Conway.

Raheem Morris says Todd Gurley’s role has changed. Morris said Ito Smith is the lead runner right now. #Falcons
— Kelsey Conway (@FalconsKelsey) December 21, 2020

The Athletic's Tori McElhaney reports Morris said Smith's performance was the main reason behind the change. Gurley's knee issues also don't help his case.

Raheem Morris was asked how much Todd Gurley's knee has changed his role, and said it wasn't necessarily Gurley's injury that changed things. It was "Ito's performance."

Seems Ito Smith is the top guy right now.
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) December 21, 2020

Gurley signed a one-year, $5.5 million deal with Atlanta after being released by the Los Angeles Rams during the offseason. The three-time Pro Bowler has 182 carries for 644 yards and nine touchdowns in 13 games this season, which is the lowest output of his career.

Smith, meanwhile, has seen his playing time increase each week since Week 9. The 25-year-old has 50 carries for 213 yards and one touchdown on the season.

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