Dan Quinn shed some light on Devonta Freeman’s injury status on Friday, stating that he is hopeful Freeman can still return by the end of the season, according D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
Freeman was hampered by injuries the entire season- even when he was active- before the Falcons were finally forced to place him on Injured Reserve because of a sports hernia. That occurred on October 16th, meaning the earliest he can return is week 16 against the Panthers.
The Falcons opted to hand Freeman the large contract he wanted- and deserved- in the summer of 2017. The deal was for five years and approximately $42 million in total with $22 million guaranteed. When on the field, he’s been worth the money, but that’s been the problem since signing that contract.
He missed a couple games last year and has missed all but two in 2018. However, the Falcons now realize what they are missing without him on the field. Despite what you thought about Tevin Coleman in regards to Devonta Freeman coming into the year, he has not been able to handle the load like Freeman has. Sure, the offensive line hasn’t been nearly as consistent, but Freeman is clearly a better back at getting the tough yards and extending plays.
With the Falcons sitting at 4-8, there’s no reason to bring Freeman back unless he’s 120% healthy, expect that to be the protocol as they evaluate him the rest of the year.