Devonta Freeman to return to practice on Monday

Falcons running back Devonta Freeman, who is in the NFL’s concussion protocol, is set to return to practice on Monday, head coach Dan Quinn said on Sunday.

“Devonta Freeman, you’ll see back,” Quinn said a day after an exhibition game loss to the Cardinals. “He’ll return to play (Monday) in some individual (drills). So, that part is good from an injury standpoint.”

Freeman, a two-time Pro Bowl player, is the final stages of the league’s five-step concussion protocol. He left practice Aug. 13 and has not practiced since.

“He’s still going through the protocol and part of that is returning to practice,” Quinn said. “He’ll do some individual work…. He’ll start the return to play process with us beginning (on Monday).”

The Falcons’ exhibition finale is scheduled for Thursday at home against the Jaguars and Quinn has already declared Freeman out for the game.

Freeman agreed to a five-year, $41.25 million contract extension that made him the highest-paid running back in the league earlier this month. The deal had a $15 million signing bonus and included $22 million in guaranteed money.

Last season, Freeman had 1,079 rushing yards with 11 touchdowns and 462 receiving yards with two touchdowns. In his three-year career, Freeman has rushed for 2,383 yards and 23 touchdowns.

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