Falcons' Smith Reveals Rookie Phillips' Injury Status

Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith relayed some good news on Wednesday morning regarding the status of rookie cornerback Clark Phillips III.

Phillips, a standout for the Falcons throughout training camp, was carted off the field on Tuesday near the end of Atlanta's joint practice with the Miami Dolphins after he was kicked in the lower body. Fortunately, Phillips was able to get up on his own.

Smith received Phillips' x-ray results and gave reporters an update on the rookie.

"He's good," Smith said to reporters in south Florida on Wednesday.

Phillips was also reportedly riding the stationary bike after practice. Smith did not give a timetable for his return, but Phillips is reportedly day-to-day.

This is great news for Atlanta's secondary, considering that Jeff Okuda is set to be out for "several weeks" after injuring his ankle last Saturday.

Phillips was drafted in the fourth round after winning Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year at Utah last season. The 21-year-old defensive back was in the mix to start at nickel corner entering camp and has been praised by Smith for his instincts and splash plays this summer.

Phillips has impressed his coaches in his one-on-one reps and has been a model of consistency in his first NFL training camp. 

"Clark continues to do something every day that catches our eye, which is good," Smith said. "It’s why we wanted him here."

Phillips should return to practice soon and continue to build off his strong start to camp.