ON THE FALCONS BEAT
ON THE FALCONS BEAT

Coleman in fourth stage of concussion protocol

Falcons running back Tevin Coleman celebrates his second touchdown run with Terron Ward to take a 34-20 lead over the Buccaneers Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Atlanta.

Credit: Curtis Compton

Credit: Curtis Compton

Falcons running back Tevin Coleman celebrates his second touchdown run with Terron Ward to take a 34-20 lead over the Buccaneers Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Atlanta.
By
Dec 20, 2017

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

Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.

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