Falcons running back Tevin Coleman has cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol program and will return to full practice on Thursday, coach Dan Quinn said.
Coleman has been out since getting hit in the 20-17 win over the Saints on Dec. 7 by defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins.
Coleman has rushed 139 times for 593 yards and five touchdowns this season. He’s also caught 21 passes for 245 yards and two touchdowns.
With running back Devonta Freeman, the Falcons will have both backs for the important game against the Saints at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
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.
