Having begun his professional career with Hull City in 2006, Atkinson spent time on loan with Port Vale, Mansfield Town, Rochdale (twice), Rotherham United and Plymouth Argyle.

[3][4] In October 2007, he joined caretaker manager Dean Glover's Port Vale in League One for a six-week loan period.

[7][8] Mansfield manager Bill Dearden later extended the deal into a further month,[9] and handed Atkinson a total of ten starts and two substitute appearances.

He had a quiet 2008–09, not joining any clubs on loan and not making an appearance for the Hull City first-team, as the "Tigers" enjoyed their maiden season in the Premier League.

He made his League Cup bow on 25 August 2009 and was replaced by Kevin Kilbane 73 minutes into a 3–1 win over Southend United.

[30] In July 2013, Atkinson signed a two-year contract with Southend United, reuniting him with his former Hull City boss, Phil Brown.

[31] He was an ever-present in the league for the "Shrimpers" in the 2013–14 season, and helped the club to secure a play-off spot, where they were beaten by Burton Albion at the semi-final stage.

He scored two of these goals in a 3–0 win over former club Bradford City at Roots Hall on 19 November, which earned himself a place on the EFL team of the week.

[35] On 30 May 2017, Atkinson joined EFL League Two club Mansfield Town as manager Steve Evans's 11th summer signing.

[37] However, he remained at Field Mill and was praised by manager David Flitcroft for his contribution as a squad player during the 2018–19 season, before being released in May 2019.

[38][39] On 4 October 2019, Atkinson signed a short-term deal with Port Vale, 12 years after briefly playing for the club on loan.

[40] He was signed by manager John Askey following injuries to Tom Conlon and Manny Oyeleke, leaving him to compete with Luke Joyce, Jake Taylor, Scott Burgess and Ryan Lloyd for a place in central midfield.

[48] On 24 August 2021, Atkinson returned for a second spell at Southend United and, in doing so, reunited with former manager Phil Brown; he joined the National League club a short-term deal after impressing on trial.

[48] On 28 June 2022, Atkinson returned to the National League North to join Boston United, with manager Paul Cox stating that "he was much sought after following his time at Southend and we are delighted to have him onboard".

"[41] Atkinson's father, Kevin, director of Hull company Thermoplant Offshore Services, used to run his junior team in Brandesburton.