Atlanta Falcons interim coach Raheem Morris said on Monday that Ito Smith will be the lead running back for the remainder of the season.
Smith ran the ball six times for 24 yards in the Falcons' 31-27 loss on Sunday. The third-year back out of Southern Mississippi has rushed for 213 yards and a touchdown on 50 carries this season.
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As for the decision to go with Smith over Todd Gurley and Brian Hill for the rest of the way, Morris said it came down to Smith's performance.
"Ito has played so well," Morris said. "When he's gotten opportunities, he's made yards. He's made hay. He's made some of the runs look a little bit better. He's actually gone out there and having a little bit better production when he's running the football, so he's been the runner the past couple of weeks and we've kind of put him in that role a little bit more and more as he's been growing."
Gurley, a three-time Pro Bowler and a two-time All-Pro, ran it once against the Bucs for a loss of 1 yard. He also had two receptions for 15 yards. Hill had five carries for minus-2 yards and two catches for 9 yards.
The Falcons agreed to a one-year deal with Gurley back in April and expectations were high for the former AP Offensive Player of the Year. His best game was in a 23-16 loss to the Panthers back in Week 5 when he ran for 121 yards on 14 carries and scored a touchdown. He also had four catches for 29 yards in that game, which ended up being Dan Quinn's final one as head coach.
Since then, Gurley's production has steadily declined. In the Falcons' last three games, Gurley has combined to run for 34 yards on 15 attempts. For the year, Gurley has totaled 644 yards on 182 carries and nine touchdowns on the ground. He has 21 catches for 113 yards.
Hill, a fifth-round pick in 2017, has rushed for 335 yards and one touchdown on 84 carries this season. He also has 19 catches for 132 yards. Hill's best performance this season came back in Week 3 when he ran nine times for 58 yards and a score in a 30-26 loss to the Bears.
"Ito, right now, is our lead dog runner," Morris said. "Brian Hill, we tried to get some carries in there. Then, definitely, Todd is going to have his role as a protector for us."
Get an inside look at the matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers with top photos from Week 15.
A general view of the field is shown before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons safety Sharrod Neasman #41 celebrates after sacking Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady #12 during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 in action during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady #12 during the first half on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Ito Smith #25 smiles during pregame against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 dives for an incomplete pass during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons safety Sharrod Neasman #41 sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady #12 on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 scores a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons punter Sterling Hofrichter #4 is shown during the against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Chris Lindstrom #63 in action during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 is shown in the tunnel before taking the field against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Steven Means #55 takes the field before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 scores a touchdown during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Ito Smith #25 in action during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 scores a touchdown during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 is shown before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 in actin during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons safety Sharrod Neasman #41 celebrates after sacking Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady #12 during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Laquon Treadwell #80 in action during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons safety Sharrod Neasman #41 sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady #12 during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith #40 in action during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 is shown during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 in action during the first quarter during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 in action during the first quarter during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Luke Stocker #88 celebrates after making a catch during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Mykal Walker #43 in action during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 in action during the first quarter during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 celebrates after sacking Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady #12 during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 dives for an incomplete pass during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 in action during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 in action during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown #81 celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 celebrates after making a field goal during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Tyler Hall #44 tackles Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Kenjon Barner #44 dfourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 in action during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Tyler Hall #44 reacts after tackling Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Kenjon Barner #44 dfourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Tyler Hall #44 tackles Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Kenjon Barner #44 dfourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Tyler Hall #44 tackles Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Kenjon Barner #44 dfourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker LaRoy Reynolds #59 reacts during the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 in action during the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons safety Sharrod Neasman #41 celebrates after he sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady #12 during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons safety Sharrod Neasman #41 celebrates after he sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady #12 during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons safety Sharrod Neasman #41 sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady #12 during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons safety Sharrod Neasman #41 sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady #12 during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady #12 during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 takes the field before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 takes the field before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons strong safety Keanu Neal #22 in action during the first quartercagainst the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Fans are shown before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 warms up before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 warms up before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 warms up before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Ito Smith #25 warms up before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 warms up before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith #40 warms up before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 is shown during warm ups before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith #40 warms up before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 warms up before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 scores a touchdown during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 warms up before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 scores a touchdown during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 scores a touchdown during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
A general view of the field with "Thank You Fans" is shown on the halo board before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on 12 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons take the field before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons punter Sterling Hofrichter #4 warms up before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Jaeden Graham #87 and wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 celebrate a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with tight end Hayden Hurst #81 on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 scores a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 scores a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 runs out of the tunnel before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith #40 runs out of the tunnel before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 celebrates a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with tight end Hayden Hurst #81 on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 scores a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Luke Stocker #88 celebrates a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with tight end Hayden Hurst #81 on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Ito Smith #25 runs the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 scores a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 high-fives long snapper Josh Harris #47 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 makes a catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 gets to Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady #12 on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons safety Sharrod Neasman #41 sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady #12 on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97, Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Tyeler Davison #96 and Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. #56 defend against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks to pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Laquon Treadwell #80 runs the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 celebrates a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with wide receiver Laquon Treadwell #80 and wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons safety Sharrod Neasman #41 sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady #12 on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 makes a catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady #12 during the first half on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 makes a cut while running the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady #12 during the first half on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 makes a catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
The defensive backs huddle before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady #12 during the first half on December 20, 2020.
The defensive line huddles during pregame against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
The Atlanta Falcons run out of the tunnel before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
A Falcons fan holds a sign before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Arthur M. Blank looks on during pregame against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks on before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley #21 smiles during pregame against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks on before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 talks to Tampa Bay Buccaneers inside linebacker Devin White #45 during pregame against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Steven Means #55 comes out of the tunnel before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 talks to Josh Blank during pregame against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 looks on during pregame against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons strong safety Keanu Neal #22 puts on his helmet during pregame against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 looks on during pregame against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons strong safety Keanu Neal #22 looks on during pregame against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 looks on during pregame against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons strong safety Keanu Neal #22 looks on during pregame against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 smiles during pregame against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 smiles before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 runs out of the tunnel before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 scores a touchdown in the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 runs out of the tunnel before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Luke Stocker #88 celebrates with kicker Younghoe Koo #7 after a field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 reacts after a play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 scores a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 scores a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons center Alex Mack #51 prepares to snap the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 scores a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Jaeden Graham #87 gestures during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks on against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
The Atlanta Falcons prepare to kick off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 runs the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 gets tapped on the helmet by Jeff Ulbrich against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 runs the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Bill Roberts, a season ticket member since 1976, pulls the train horn against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks a field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 makes a catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 passes against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons center Alex Mack #51 prepares to snap the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks a field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Schaub #8 watches from the sideline against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Freddie Falcon waives the Rise Up flag before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Laquon Treadwell #80 makes a catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 prepares to pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
Arthur M. Blank stands with his son Josh Blank before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 20, 2020.
