Falcons running back Tevin Coleman, defensive end Dwight Freeney and tight end Jacob Tamme were all declared out for Thursday night’s game against Tampa Bay by the team Wednesday.
Coleman, who is expected back for the Philadelphia game Nov. 13, has a hamstring injury and missed the last game against Green Bay.
Coleman did not practice with the team Tuesday, but did a rehabilitation run before the session.
The injury forced Coleman to leave the Oct. 23 game against the Chargers. Before his injury Coleman had been splitting repetitions with Devonta Freeman.
The Falcons promoted Terron Ward from the practice squad before the Chargers game. He had six carries for 46 yards and one reception for 11 yards against the Packers, while playing 27 percent of the offensive snaps compared to 73 percent for Freeman.
Freeney, 36, played 23 snaps against the Packers with a torn quadriceps (thigh) and did not aggravate the injury. With the short week, the Falcons are being safe with the veteran. Tamme suffered a shoulder injury in the game and will be replaced in the lineup by Tight ends Austin Hopper and Levine Toilolo.
Resting Freeney makes sense. According to Pro Football Focus, he has recorded just five quarterback pressures in the past three games after he had 18 pressures in Weeks 3-5.
Freeney was the linchpin for the pass rush early in the season, but the Falcons have gotten more contributions from others lately. Adrian Clayborn had two key sacks against Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers during Sunday’s victory and Vic Beasley had one. Defensive tackles Courtney Upshaw and Grady Jarrett also were disruptive rushing Rodgers inside.
Tamme is the team’s fourth-leading receiver with 22 catches for 210 yards and three touchdowns.
Hooper, a third-round pick from Stanford, took most of the first-team repetitions. Hooper has caught 11 passes for 195 yards and one touchdown.
Also, Toilolo will be used in the double tight end formations. Joshua Perkins, who has been inactive for all eight games, will likely be activated.
“I’m ready,” Hooper said. “My opportunity has presented itself. I just have to be prepared and ready to go. Rookie year, it’s been a lot of learning and a lot of growth. I feel like every single game, I’ve gotten better. I’m just trying to keep that trend going.”
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