Despite being hopeful that Devonta Freeman may return this year, Dan Quinn told 92.9 The Game that Freeman “won’t make it back this season.”
#Falcons Coach Quinn told @JohnFricke and @jmch316 that RB Devonta Freeman "won't make it back" this season.
— 92.9 The Game (@929TheGame) December 19, 2018
This news should have been rather obvious. Considering the Falcons are officially eliminated from playoff contention, there was no reason to risk yet another injury, especially one that could affect next season.
Freeman, a two-time Pro-Bowler, only played in two games this season and may have been healthy for one of them. He had 14 carries for 68 yards and 5 receptions for 23 yards prior to be sidelined. Tevin Coleman, who is a pending free-agent, has taken over the full-time starting gig ever since. Coleman’s backup, Ito Smith, also hit IR earlier this week and will miss the rest of the season. Providing he can stay healthy, former fifth-round pick, Brian Hill will assume the backup running back duties over the final two weeks.