FLOWERY BRANCH – Falcons running back Devonta Freeman put to rest any questions folks may have had about his ability to run between the tackles during his 141-yard showing against the Cowboys.

“I think he really demonstrated the toughness, and he was one of the guys that really set it off for us,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. “He’s such a competitor and when a guy has that look about him, he had it. He was definitely one of the guys that stood out for us.”

Freeman will have to carry to load while rookie Tevin Coleman is recovering from a fractured rib. Terron Ward played eight snaps against Dallas to give Freeman a little break.

Freeman has been nominated to be the FedEx ground player of the week.

Oakland’s Latavius Murray and Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson are the other nominees. Fans can vote for the running back they feel had this week’s best performance until 3 p.m. Thursday online at NFL.com/FedEx.

FedEx will support the American Red Cross by making weekly $2,000 donations to the local chapters of the winning players’ cities.