Falcons head coach Mike Smith says RB Jacquizz Rodgers can be a 3-down player

Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers is five-foot-six and weighs less than 200 pounds. That certainly doesn't sound like the body type of a player who can physically handle carries on first, second and third downs. But head coach Mike Smith said he can do it.
"We thought he was only going to be a change-of-pace back," Smith said of Rodgers via the team's official website. "We found out very quickly that even though he is short, he is not little. He can handle all three downs, and he does a very good job for us returning kicks."

Fantasy Analysis:

Rodgers had 89 carries last season, up from 57 in his rookie campaign. He has thick legs, but he is still too small to be considered a true three-down back. But I figure the team has to talk Rodgers up considering Michael Turner's uncertain future with the franchise. There is no way that Rodgers will ever be asked to handle 300-plus touches in a season, but his usage should take a steep climb next season, and I think that's all his fantasy owners can ask for.