After missing nearly two games because of the NFL concussion protocol, running back Devonta Freeman’s passion and toughness were evident when he returned to practice this week, coach Dan Quinn said.
“You just felt the speed, the energy he was playing with,” Quinn said. “(He brought) the intensity, the urgency that we love about his game. We’ve said it before — he’s short, but he’s not small.”
Fully participating in practice Wednesday and Thursday, Freeman said he began to feel normal Thursday and Friday of last week before the Falcons played the Vikings.
Quinn said Freeman was listed as a no-contact player Wednesday “just as a precaution.” Freeman did not wear a no-contact jersey at practice Thursday.
Quinn said he and the team are confident that Freeman will be ready to play Sunday on the road against the Buccaneers (5-6).
“He’s fully ready to play, and he is absolutely jacked, and for those of us who know Devonta, you can imagine the excitement he has,” Quinn said. “It jumps off the field and off the tape how much he loves football. We can’t wait to get him back out there.”
Without Freeman on the field, the Falcons (6-5) rushed for 116 yards in their 20-10 loss against the Vikings and 57 yards against the Colts after Freeman left the game.
Buccaneers coach Lovie Smith said he knows a healthy Freeman will be key in igniting the Falcons’ run game when the two teams meet Sunday for the second time this season.
“He’s one of the best backs in the league. Whether it be running inside the tackles and making people miss in the open field, he’ll run over you,” Smith said. “The Falcons’ running game will definitely be better with Devonta on the field.”
Quinn said Freeman’s versatility and power as a running back and a receiver is a contributing factor to what makes Freeman a crucial piece of the Falcons’ offense.
“He’s such a big playmaker for us, and we’re absolutely thrilled to have him back in it,” Quinn said. “It feels like a while since he’s been out there because he got injured early in the (Colts) game and then missed one, so we can’t wait to feature him.”
Quarterback Matt Ryan said Freeman has been “extremely productive” for the offense this season, rushing for 764 yards and nine touchdowns as well as gaining 420 recieving yards with two touchdowns.
“Devonta is a huge part not only of our offense, but of our team,” Ryan said. “The addition of Devonta and his versatility, the ability to use him in all facets of the game I think is huge for us.”
This season, Freeman averages 4.6 yards per carry and 8.8 yards per reception this season.
Hoping to snap the Falcons’ losing streak, Freeman said he’s not anxious to get back out on the field Sunday.
Freeman said while finishing concussion protocol, he felt safe and cared for by the NFL, coaches and trainers, but he missed playing with his team.
“It was just kind of (hard) not being out there and not being able to do what I love. But you know, I couldn’t control it,” Freeman said. “I’m just ready to get back out there.”
The Falcons’ loss against the Vikings on Sunday was the first game Freeman hadn’t competed in during his two years with the team.
After four consecutive losses, Freeman said he still believes in his team and their ability to win. He said the Falcons are focused on taking advantage of any opportunities the defense gives them and not giving the Buccaneers any opportunities to run away with the game.
“I believe in what we got. I believe in the game plan. I believe in every man on this team. We all understand what we’re facing. We just got to be all in on each other,” Freeman said. “We’re not going to change (anything). We just need to eliminate our mistakes the best we can.”
About the Author
