Coleman in fourth stage of concussion protocol

Falcons running back Tevin Coleman is set to return to practice, but remains in the concussion protocol, coach Dan Quinn said on Wednesday.

Coleman has been out since getting hit in the 20-17 win over the Saints on Dec. 7 by defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins.

The protocol is a five-step return-to-play process that starts once a player has been diagnosed with a concussion or symptoms. The player is immediately removed from the team setting with steps in place to work his way back to the team. A player can leave the protocol once all steps are cleared.

The five steps are rest and recovery, light aerobic exercise, light aerobic exercise and strength training, football specific drills and finally, football activity and clearance.

The recovery timetable varies with brain injuries. Some players make it back in a week, others with more severe concussion issues, take much longer.

About the Author

Michael Penix’s season is over before Falcons know if he’s the answer

Michael Penix hasn’t proved over 12 starts that he can be a consistently good NFL starter, much less the franchise QB, and now he will have to recover from ACL surgery.

What’s the plan for Falcons QB next season? AJC writers predict the answer.

The Falcons have a quarterback quandary. But it’s not the traditional situation where there’s a question about who the starter will be. AJC writers give their thoughts.

Falcons’ Deablo set to return from arm injury; Bowman out with Achilles

Linebacker Divine Deablo is set to return on Sunday after missing four games with a fractured forearm, but receiver Drake London and nickelback Billy Bowman are out.

The Latest

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Falcons’ Deablo set to return from arm injury; Bowman out with Achilles

What’s the plan for Falcons QB next season? AJC writers predict the answer.

Is it time for a massive Falcons franchise reboot?

Featured

Credit: Miguel Martinez

‘Worst nightmares come true.’ Atlanta confronts shift in homelessness funding.

Trump’s overhaul threatens permanent housing for an estimated 600 Atlanta households and 170,000 people nationwide, advocates warn.

Microsoft’s newest AI ‘superfactory’ opens at sprawling Fayetteville campus

One of the largest data center campuses under construction in Georgia has its first operational tenant, and it’s one of the most recognizable names in technology.

Atlanta officials quietly rebrand city’s DEI office

The city of Atlanta office overseeing diversity, equity and inclusion is getting a rebrand amid assaults at the federal level on such initiatives.