Falcons running back Devonta Freeman headed up the list of inactives for Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Also, kicker Matt Bryant (strained quadriceps), wide receiver Leonard Hankerson (hamstring) were previously declared out on Friday.
Cornerback Phillips Adams, center James Stone, tackle Bryce Harris and defensive end Malliciah Goodman were named inactives.
For Minnesota, safety Harrison Smith, the team’s leading tackler, was announced out of the game on Saturday and he was their key inactive.
Also, quarterback Taylor Heinicke, cornerback Tray Waynes, linebacker Edmond Robinson, center Nick Easton, tackle Jeremiah Sirles and defensive end Justin Trattou were named inactives.
Rookie Tevin Coleman, who opened the season as the starting running back, will take over for Freeman, who leads the league in rushing touchdowns with nine. Coleman will be backed up by another rookie, Terron Ward.
Also, with Bryant injured the signed kicker Shayne Graham and released linebacker Joplo Bartu on Thursday. Graham’s father passed away and he attended the funeral on Friday.
Losing Freeman is a blow to the Falcons, who have dropped four of the past five games and are averaging 17.3 points a game on offense over that span despite piling up yardage. Turnovers have marred their efforts.
Graham, who's 6-foot, 197 pounds, has kicked mostly for the Saints and the Bengals. He's spent time with eight other teams. The Falcons will be his 11th team. Graham has made 266 of 311 (85.5 percent) field goals over his career.
Graham, who played in college at Virginia Tech, has made 14 of 29 (48.2 percent) of his field goals of more than 50 yards. He’s made 67 of 85 (78.8 percent) of his field goal between 40 and 49 yards.
Graham has been to one Pro Bowl, back in 2005 when he was with the Bengals.
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