In the Falcons' 19-13 loss to the Washington Commanders on Sunday, a Marcus Mariota pass intended for Cordarrelle Patterson was tipped by Daron Payne and intercepted by Kendall Fuller in the end zone for a touchback with a little over a minute left to play.

But one positive that Arthur Smith's team can take from the loss was its ability to run the football effectively against one of the best defensive fronts in the NFL.

Behind tailbacks Tyler Allgeier and Patterson, along with Mariota, the Falcons ran the ball 29 times for 167 yards for an average of 5.8 yards per carry. Entering this week's home matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Atlanta (5-7) ranks fourth in the league in rushing (160.0 yards per game).

"We feel like we're building something here up front in our mentality with our offensive line," Smith said. "There aren't moral victories, but it does give you confidence week after week that these guys have stepped up. And we've played some good fronts.

"It is the NFL, and everybody is good, I got that. But we've played some of the better ones. Played (the 49ers), and I know they didn't have Bosa, but that's a damn good front. And then yesterday, they are playing as well as anybody in the league. Low-possession game, I thought we moved the ball really well. Thought we had some good pockets."

Despite a revolving door at left guard due to a knee injury to starter Elijah Wilkinson, the play of Atlanta's offensive line has been strong. Right guard Chris Lindstrom and left tackle Jake Matthews are playing at a Pro Bowl level. Center Drew Dalman and right tackle Kaleb McGary have been solid, especially when run blocking.

This week, Atlanta faces another challenge when it meets a Pittsburgh team that ranks sixth in the league in run defense (103.4 yards per game). The Steelers (3-7) rank 31st in the league in pass defense, however, so Mariota could be poised for a big day through the air.

But don't expect Smith and the Falcons to go against what's worked best for them all season long. Patterson and Allgeier have formed a dynamic one-two punch, and Caleb Huntley has been solid despite just one carry for 12 yards against the Commanders.

"It was a function of the game, yeah, and he had one good run," Smith said about Huntley's lone carry. "That's a good problem to have because Tyler is playing really well, and we know the impact CP has on the game. We got to make sure he gets it more because he's earned the right to carry the football for us."

--Outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie left in the second quarter in the loss to Washington with a wrist injury. Smith is hoping Ebiketie will be able to return Wednesday.

"Obviously, AK, hopefully he'll be alright," Smith said. "He's dealing with a wrist injury. We'll see how it responds on Wednesday. But day-to-day on all those guys."

Smith also said Wilkinson "has a shot" to be activated from IR if "he's ready to practice Wednesday."

--Atlanta wideout Olamide Zaccheaus had season highs in receptions (five) and yards (91) in the loss to Washington. His 45-yard reception on the team's final possession got the Falcons into Washington territory with just more than three minutes to play.

The Denver Broncos released the two-time Pro Bowler last week, and he became a free agent upon clearing waivers.

Gordon, 29, had 318 rushing yards and two touchdowns along with 25 receptions for 223 yards over 10 games (six starts) this year. But he had fallen out of favor in Denver, as he's become known for issues with ball security. He's fumbled five times this season, losing two.

Gordon has fumbled 26 times, losing 18, in his eight-year NFL career with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers (2015-19) and Broncos. The former first-round pick has amassed 6,462 rushing yards and 55 touchdowns along with 309 catches for 2,467 yards and 14 scores in 108 career games (94 starts).

Kansas City is thin at running back with Clyde Edwards-Helaire (ankle) on injured reserve. Rookie Isiah Pacheco started the past five games and has gained 455 rushing yards and scored two touchdowns over 11 games. Jerick McKinnon and Ronald Jones II are also on the roster.

The Chiefs and Broncos have yet to meet this season despite being AFC West rivals. They will play Dec. 11 at Denver and Jan. 1 at Kansas City.

Chase returned to practice last week but wasn't quite ready to play Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. He has missed the past four games.

Chase is working his way back from a hip injury initially sustained in a 30-26 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Oct. 16. He then aggravated the injury in the first half of the Bengals' 35-17 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Oct. 23. After limping off the field, Chase returned to play in the second half but has not played since.

Chase, 22, has 47 catches, 605 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns over seven games. He led the Bengals in all three categories before his injury, with Tee Higgins since passing him in receptions (50) and yards (712).

Chase made the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2021, catching 81 passes for 1,455 yards and 13 touchdowns in 17 starts.

The Bengals (7-4), who have won three in a row to vault into a tie for first in the AFC North, host the Kansas City Chiefs this week.