Cordarrelle Patterson has been one of the storylines of the 2021 NFL season. He's been one of the few specks of light in what has been a dismal season for the Atlanta Falcons. The utility man picked up a knock during the team's brutal loss to the Dallas Cowboys, and it's impacting his status for Thursday's game against the Patriots.

According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, Patterson is still undergoing evaluation on his ailing ankle. The Falcons, however, don't seem optimistic he'll be available to suit up for Thursday Night Football. Pelissero added that it could still be “a couple weeks” until the 30-year-old is ready to make his return.

Obviously, Matt Ryan and the Falcons will be at a disadvantage without their versatile offensive threat. Already figuring to be underdogs against New England, the gap between these two teams would be even more sizeable should Patterson be forced to miss the game. The short turnaround between games definitely doesn't help Patterson's chances of suiting up.

On the year, Patterson has featured as a running back, wide receiver, and kick returner for Atlanta. He's rushed 77 times for 303 yards and two touchdowns. Additionally, he's caught 39 passes for 473 yards and five TDs.

Patterson was a First-Team All-Pro kick returner in 2019 and 2020 as a member of the Chicago Bears. Still, he was neve the focal point of a team's offense the way he is in Atlanta. Capable of producing in virtually every facet offensively, the former Vikings' first-round pick has become a fan-favorite since joining the Falcons.

With kickoff of the Super Bowl LI rematch set for 8:20 p.m. ET on Thursday, Patterson is truly up against the clock as he vies to get nurse his ankle back to 100 percent.