One positive for the Falcons with Devonta Freeman on injured reserve is they’ll get a better look at what their rookie running back is all about.

So far, fourth-round pick Ito Smith has looked good in limited action.

Smith has posted a total of 102 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 32 carries. While that average (3.2 yards per carry) is nothing to write home about, Smith has impressed in other ways – namely, he can make people miss.

According to Pro Football Focus, Smith ranks No. 7 in elusive rating among running backs with enough snaps to qualify.

His 3.2 YPC average doesn’t look appealing on the surface, but all but one of his 102 yards have come after contact. Smith has also forced a missed tackle on 26.2% of his touches, as he ranks seventh out of 54 qualifiers in elusive rating.

He also got more touches than Tevin Coleman last week, so picking up Smith in fantasy football isn’t a terrible idea if you’re short on running backs.

Pass protection and receiving out of the backfield will be worth watching closely with Smith. If he shows something there over the next eight weeks, his future as the primary backup to Freeman may be all but guaranteed.