Coleman scores TD in return from injury

November 27, 2016, Atlanta: Falcons running back Tevin Coleman dives into the endzone for a touchdown and a 24-13 lead over the Cardinals during the third quarter in an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

Credit: Curtis Compton

Credit: Curtis Compton

November 27, 2016, Atlanta: Falcons running back Tevin Coleman dives into the endzone for a touchdown and a 24-13 lead over the Cardinals during the third quarter in an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

Falcons running back Tevin Coleman couldn’t find much room to run in his return from injury. But Coleman did score a touchdown and, more important for the long term, he finished the game healthy.

Coleman had nine yards on eight carries and two catches for four yards against the Cardinals on Sunday. He’d missed the past three games after suffering a hamstring injury on in a game against the Chargers on Oct. 23.

After Sunday’s game, Coleman said his hamstring felt fine and that he didn’t feel winded after using the bye week to build up his endurance. But he said he needs time to knock off the rust.

“I’ve got to keep on working and keep getting back into the rhythm of being a running back,” Coleman said. “Coming off injury, it’s hard. There’s a lot of things you have to do to make sure that (the hamstring) is right for a fast guy.”

Coleman had split time with Devonta Freeman before his injury. He’s the faster of the two running backs and also had been more productive as a runner in the red zone.

Coleman scored a two-yard touchdown in the third quarter. After Freeman rushed for eight and four yards to set up a first down at Arizona’s four-yard line, the Cardinals stuffed him for two yards on the next play. Coleman replaced Freeman and plunged into the end zone to extend the lead to 23-13 before the extra point.

“My hamstring felt good,” Coleman said. “I’ve just got to get back into the routine of things.”