Rookie RB Ito Smith joining Falcons’ long list on IR

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons are placing rookie running back Ito Smith on injured reserve with a knee injury, dealing another blow to a position already weakened by the loss of starter Devonta Freeman.
Coach Dan Quinn said Monday Smith will have surgery this week. Quinn says it is not an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Smith, a rookie, was questionable with back and knee injuries before aggravating the knee injury in Sunday’s 40-14 win over the Arizona Cardinals.