Falcons’ Dirk Koetter: Todd Gurley’s health still a mystery

One critical variable remains for the Atlanta Falcons when it comes to running back Todd Gurley: Is he healthy?

The Falcons, who signed Gurley to a one-year, $4 million deal within hours of his release from the Los Angeles Rams in April, were unable to give the usual player physical and meet in person with the running back due to coronavirus restrictions on teams and travel.

Gurley, 25, was released by the Rams after a steep drop-off in production in 2019 and questions about the health of his left knee, in which he has an arthritic condition.

Atlanta general manager Thomas Dimitroff said a big role awaits Gurley after the team released Devonta Freeman. That might be true, but there’s the lingering question in the back of the mind of offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter.

“He can do everything,” Koetter said Thursday in a teleconference about Gurley, a two-time All-Pro. “He’s an excellent runner, he’s good in the pass game, he can protect. The main question is — and no one seems to know — what’s his health status?”

A former All-American at Georgia, Gurley rushed for a career-low 857 yards last season. He ran for 5,404 yards and 58 touchdowns while adding 218 receptions for 2,090 yards and 12 scores in 73 regular-season games with the Rams.

“Todd is only 25 years old and he’s had two seasons where he was arguably the best running back in football,” Koetter said. “When he’s at his best, he’s got speed, power, he can break tackles, he’s elusive, he can catch balls out of the backfield. We all know what he can do. His accolades speak for themselves. It’s just a matter of his health. He can still do it. It’s just a matter of how often he can do it.”

Koetter said Gurley looked good on video last season when he averaged 17 touches per game (15 runs, 2 catches), particularly citing the season opener against Carolina and another game against Chicago. He also was impressed with the Tampa Bay game, when Gurley was used heavily in the passing game.

“He flashed in every game,” Koetter said. “I don’t know all the details of what was going on, how much he practiced during the week. … It doesn’t matter what was going on there anyway. All that matters is what happens here.”

Without Freeman, Atlanta will rely on Gurley and less proven young running backs Ito Smith, Brian Hill and Qadree Ollison.