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The Atlanta Falcons will be without their starting running back in Week 12. Todd Gurley was ruled out due to a knee injury after being unable to practice all week. Brian Hill will get the start in his place on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Gurley injured the knee last week against the Saints, but has dealt with knee issues for much of his career. It’s unclear if this is strictly his chronic problems or a new issue, so it’s unclear how long Gurley might be out of action.
Hill has been a fairly significant contributor behind Gurley, but has remained the clear No. 2 for most of the season. He had at least two receptions in seven of the first eight Falcons games this season, but has been held without a catch the past two games. He’ll likely figure in to both the ground and air game a bit more this week against a shaky Raiders defense.
Hill is not a must-start this week, but he’s got solid upside just from volume. Ito Smith and Keith Smith will get some work as well, but Hill will be the No. 1.