Falcons defensive end Dwight Freeney is questionable to play on Thursday at the Buccaneers because of a thigh injury. The injury limited Freeney during practice last week and he played 23 snaps against the Packers.
It's possible that Freeney, 36, is feeling the effects of playing more snaps per game this season than he did during a resurgent season with the Cardinals in 2015. According to Pro Football Focus, Freeney 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.
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