FLOWERY BRANCH — Falcons running back Devonta Freeman, who rushed for 141 yards and three touchdowns in his first NFL start, was named the FedEx Ground NFL player of the week on Thursday.

Freeman, a second-year player for Florida State, averaged 4.7 yards per carry and also caught five passes for 52 yards receiving.

Freeman’s 193 yards from scrimmage are the most by any NFC player in a game this season.

Freeman’s three rushing touchdowns marked the first time a Falcon running back has rushed for three touchdowns since running back Michael “The Burner” Turner accomplished the feat in 2010.

Also, Freeman’s 141 rushing yards were the most by an NFL player in Week 3 and the most by a Falcons running back since Turner rushed for 172 yards in Week 17 of the 2011 season.

FedEx will make a $2,000 donation to the local American Red Cross chapter in Atlanta. The funding is used to help assist the American Red Cross in its efforts to provide disaster relief and health services to Americans nationwide.

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Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

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