Falcons' Antone Smith running again in recovery from broken leg

Atlanta Falcons running back Antone Smith, who suffered a broken leg in November, has started running again as part of his rehabilitation.

Smith said he is almost at full force, but is unlikely to be cleared for the start of organized team activities.

"I can't give you a timetable on what they are doing," Smith told D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal Constitution on Tuesday. "But with me, right now, I'm just learning the playbook with everybody else. I'm familiar with some of the things. There are a lot of different techniques and different language."

Smith emerged as a big-play threat for the Falcons in 2014 after scoring five touchdowns on just 36 touches. He's hoping to return to that form this season.

"I hope so," Smith said. "That was unfortunate that it had to happen. I believe that everything happens for a reason. Maybe God has bigger plans for us this year."

The Falcons revamped their running back position this offseason, parting ways with Steven Jackson and Jacquizz Rodgers, and drafting Tevin Coleman in the third round. Running backs coach Gerald Brown, one of Smith's biggest supporters, was replaced by Bobby Turner.

"It's always good to see some new faces," Smith said. "But after you've seen the same faces for the last six or seven years it's a little tough. People have to move on and roles are forever changing. You just have to adjust and remember what you're here for."