The Atlanta Falcons offense will have a massive holt to fill on Sunday after head coach Dan Quinn announced running back Devonta Freeman has been ruled out for Week 12.. Freeman, who suffered a concussion early last week against the Indianapolis Colts, did not practice on Friday and was still in the first phase of the concussion protocol on Wednesday.
Freeman has been a cog in the Falcons' offense this season, in the midst of a breakout year where he has amassed over 1,100 total yards and 11 total touchdowns. The 23-year-old running back has excelled in offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan's system, going from an expected backup role of Tevin Coleman to becoming one of the best running backs in football this season.
With Freeman set to miss Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings, a defense that just gave up 100 rushing yards to Eddie Lacy, Atlanta's rookie Tevin Coleman is expected to start in Freeman's place. When Freeman left early last week against the Colts, Coleman received 17 carries but was largely ineffective. He finished with just 48 rushing yards, an underwhelming 2.8 yards per carry.
Coleman should see 18-plus touches on Sunday and has shown he can be a home run hitter who can rip off some big runs, but last week showed he isn't close to the same caliber as Freeman. Coleman is an RB2 this week in what should be a close matchup, where the Falcons won't have to stray from the running game.