Falcons running back Devonta Freeman, who is in the NFL’s concussion protocol, likely won’t play in the final two exhibition games, coach Dan Quinn said Thursday.
“For him, it would be unlikely that he would (play in the fourth exhibition game),” Quinn said. “I would like to get him back out practicing.”
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 has started running and likely will work out Saturday before the game against the Cardinals at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
“We hopeful that as we get started for practice next week,” Quinn said. “He’ll probably work out before the game, but we won’t play him in the game. He hasn’t been cleared to play, so we’ll work him out. Hopefully, he’ll be cleared the day after and we can get going.
“He is anxious to get back practicing, but it’s unlikely he’ll play against Jacksonville,” Quinn said.
The Falcons’ exhibition finale is scheduled for Aug. 31 at home against the Jaguars.
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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