Falcons two-time Pro Bowl running back Devonta Freeman has cleared the NFL concussion protocol and is set to return to practice today, Falcons coach Dan Quinn said on the team’s flagship radio station Wednesday morning.
Quinn normally gives the injury report during his media session, but apparently couldn’t wait to share the news about Freeman’s return on 92.9 The Game.
Cornerback Desmond Trufant remains in the concussion protocol and cornerback Brian Poole (lower back) will be limited in practice.
Freeman has been out since the second play of the Dallas game on Nov. 12.
Carolina linebacker Thomas Davis believed that he suffered a concussion in the previous game from a hit to neck area. The Falcons denied the accusation and said Freeman had a knee bruise.
Freeman also suffered a concussion in the exhibition season and was out from Aug. 14-27, the third of his career.
With Freeman out, Tevin Coleman took over at running back and the Falcons are on a three-game winning streak.
Coleman rushed 20 times for 83 yards and a touchdown against Dallas, 20 times for 43 yards and touchdown against Seattle and 19 times for 97 yards and two touchdowns against Tampa Bay.
Freeman had a solid start to the season, but had tailed off in weeks before suffering the concussion.
Through the first four games, Freeman had 70 carries for 285 yards and five touchdowns. After the bye in Week 5, he has 46 carries for 230 yards and no touchdowns. For the season, he has rushed for 515 yards on 116 carries.
In the 20-17 loss to the Panthers on Nov.5, Freeman had 11 carries for 46 yards.
Freeman agreed to a five-year, $41.25 million contract extension that made him the highest-paid running back in the league in August. The deal had a $15 million signing bonus and included $22 million in guaranteed money.
Subscribe to "The Bow Tie Chronicles" podcast with the AJC's D. Orlando Ledbetter on iTunes or on the new AJC sports podcasts page.
