Falcons' Freeman misses practice; still in 1st phase of concussion protocol
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman sat out Wednesday's team practice session as he remains in the first phase of the NFL's concussion protocol, head coach Dan Quinn announced.
Quinn had said Tuesday that Freeman was "off to a good start" with the testing procedures following last week's loss to the Indianapolis Colts, but it remains unclear whether he'll receive clearance in time for Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings.
A breakout star in his second season since joining the Falcons as a fourth-round pick in 2014, Freeman is currently first among NFL running backs with nine rushing touchdowns.
His 764 yards through 10 games has him tied for fifth along with Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart, putting him on pace for an impressive 1,222 yards by season's end.
Should he be forced to miss any game action, third-round rookie Tevin Coleman would step into the lead backfield role.