Report: Todd Gurley Hasn't Taken Physical Despite Agreeing to Falcons Contract

The Atlanta Falcons and running back Todd Gurley have officially agreed to terms on a free-agent contract, the team announced on Monday.

However, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Gurley has not taken his necessary physical.

The former Los Angeles Rams running back was first reported to be heading to Atlanta on a one-year deal on March 20, one day after the Rams released their 2015 10th overall pick.

No deal can be finalized until Gurley passes a physical, which is especially notable given the 25-year-old's injury history.

Gurley's knee has been a cause for concern dating back to his days at the University of Georgia, where he suffered a torn ACL in November 2014. Those concerns were amplified when his personal trainer, Travelle Gaines, told CBS Sports' Dave Richard last June that Gurley had a lingering "arthritic component" in his knee.

Gaines' comments came after Gurley missed the last two regular-season games of the 2018 season and only saw 14 carries in the NFC Championship Game and Super Bowl LIII combined.

Even so, Gurley finished the 2018 regular season with 1,251 rushing yards and a league-leading 17 rushing touchdowns.

Last season, Gurley posted his lowest rushing yardage (857) on his fewest carries (223) since entering the league. The 2017 AP Offensive Player of the Year still found the end zone 12 times on the ground, though.

The Rams released Gurley, at least partially, for financial reasons after failing to trade him:

However, ESPN's Lindsey Thiry outlined other reasons for the divorce: "It had grown increasingly apparent by the end of last season, however, that the relationship between the Rams and Gurley had soured. Gurley's usage last season was down from 2018, when he rushed for 1,251 yards and scored a league-high 21 touchdowns. Questions about the health of his left knee persist."

And so, the Falcons decided to take a low-risk chance on a Georgia star. Atlanta needed to address its backfield after releasing Devonta Freeman in mid-March.

At worst, Gurley can serve as a $5 million bridge for one season before the Falcons find their new running back of the future. At best, he has a career resurgence alongside quarterback Matt Ryan and receivers Julia Jones and Calvin Ridley.

But first, he has to pass a physical.