Making progress in recovery from knee injury

Freeman indicated Wednesday that he has made significant progress in his recovery from a sprained MCL and PCL, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. "I'm able to do a lot of things that I couldn't do back in January and February. Running, cutting, sprinting and getting little stronger."

Analysis: Freeman played through the sprains in two playoff games, compiling 28 carries for 73 yards and six grabs for 29 yards (with two combined TDs). He may not be 100 percent for the start of OTAs on May 21, but his progress suggests he'll be a full participant for the start of training camp. Freeman will break in a five-year, $41.25 million contract extension with the Falcons in 2018, presumably occupying his usual role in the more favorable half of a timeshare with Tevin Coleman. While Falcons…read more

Rehabbing on side field

Freeman (knee) appeared to be on a side field doing rehab work Tuesday, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Freeman played through a sprained MCL and PCL in his right knee during the playoffs, managing only 73 yards on 28 carries and 29 yards on six receptions, though he did score two touchdowns in two games. He also suffered a pair of concussions last season, bringing his reported total to three during his NFL career. It's no surprise to see Freeman doing rehab work while the Falcons start their offseason program, as he said in late March that he wasn't sure if he'd be ready for Organized Team…read more

Making progress with knee

Freeman said his injured right knee is "progressing on the up and up", Alec McQuade of 11Alive.com reports.

Analysis: Freeman sprained his MCL and PCL in Week 17, and while the injury didn't stop him from playing in both of Atlanta's playoff contests, he was limited to 73 yards on 28 carries (2.6 average) and 29 yards on six receptions, albeit with a pair of touchdowns. Despite avoiding offseason surgery, he seems to be acknowledging that his right knee still isn't back to full strength. Freeman said in February that he wasn't sure if he would be ready for Organized Team Activities in May, perhaps hinting that…read more

Freeman (knee) said in a Feb. 2 interview with Mike Florio of NBC Sports Radio's "PFT Live" that he's not ruling out taking part in the Falcons' Organized Team Activities during the spring, Adam Wells of Bleacher Report reports. "Possibly," Freeman said about being ready for OTAs. "But I'm going to take my time and let [his right knee] heal so I won't have to deal with little nicks and knacks throughout the season, because that's the most important time for me. So I'm going to take my time and let it heal, get stronger. I need to be free when I'm out there."

Analysis: Shortly after the Falcons were eliminated from the playoffs in their divisional-round loss to the Eagles, Freeman relayed that he was playing through a sprained MCL and PCL in the knee, an injury he initially suffered in a Week 17 win over the Panthers. The two-time Pro Bowler was able to avoid surgery to address the matter, but remains conscious of easing up on his workload leading up to training camp in order to avoid a potential setback. It's not expected that Freeman will face many…read more

Avoiding knee surgery

Head coach Dan Quinn revealed Thursday that Freeman won't require surgery on the MCL and PCL sprains in his right knee, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: After Saturday's divisional-round defeat at Philadelphia, Freeman discussed his health, noting the aforementioned knee issues. He was still a force as a runner and pass catcher throughout his fourth campaign, but his effectiveness in the former realm waned down the stretch. As evidence, he failed to reach 4.0 YPC in five of the Falcons' last seven contests, including each of the last four (including playoffs). Nonetheless, Freeman still averaged 84.4 yards from scrimmage per game and scored…read more

Tending to MCL, PCL sprains

Freeman said after Saturday's loss at Philadelphia that he ended the season with MCL and PCL sprains in his right knee, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: After sitting out Weeks 11 and 12 as he proceeded through the concussion protocol, Freeman didn't appear to have his prototypical burst over the last seven games, including playoffs, a span in which he failed to averaged 4.0 YPC on five separate occasions. His ability as a pass catcher and nose for the end zone helped him maintain relevance, but his health was nonetheless compromised, as he revealed Saturday. Freeman is hopeful that he'll be able to avoid surgery, but upcoming evaluations…read more

Freeman carried the ball 10 times for seven yards and added 26 yards and a touchdown on five catches during Saturday's 15-10 loss to Philadelphia.

Analysis: Freeman was bottled up for most of the game as he took on Philly's top-ranked run defense, but he did manage to score Atlanta's only touchdown. The shifty back slipped out of the backfield in the second quarter and was wide open for a scrambling Matt Ryan for a six-yard touchdown pass. As for the 2017 campaign, a concussion and strong season by Tevin Coleman prevented Freeman from cracking double digits in touchdowns for the third straight year. However, he ranked 22nd in the league with 1,182…read more

Good to go Saturday

Freeman (knee) is clear of injury ahead of Saturday's divisional-round game in Philadelphia, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: For the second week in a row, the Falcons have given the thumbs up to every player that made an appearance on the injury report. Freeman himself was limited in all three sessions this weekend, but his knee issue won't hinder him from handling early-down work Saturday. In six contests following a two-game absence due to a concussion, he's averaged 99.8 scrimmage yards per game and tallied four touchdowns while playing 65.3 percent of the team's offensive snaps.

Limited practice Tuesday

Freeman (knee) was limited at Tuesday's practice, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Freeman followed up a DNP last Tuesday with back-to-back limited sessions to close out the week, but the running back couldn't find much traction Saturday against the Rams en route to 18 carries for 66 yards, though he scored a touchdown. While the performance marked the fourth time in five games that he failed to average 4.0 YPC, his nose for the end zone has translated to four scores during that stretch. A failure to practice in full Wednesday or Thursday won't preclude Freeman from ditching…read more

Freeman rushed for 66 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries and added a three-yard catch during Saturday's 26-13 win over the Rams.

Analysis: Early special teams snafus by the Rams gave Atlanta a few short fields early, but Los Angeles was effective in limiting the Falcons to field goals. That changed in the second quarter when Freeman, with a healthy push from offensive lineman Jake Matthews, barreled into the end zone for a three-yard score. After missing a chunk of November with a concussion, Freeman lit things up to close the season, with three of four games with at least 90 total yards. He can be forgiven for needing to grind…read more

Ready for Saturday

Freeman (knee) doesn't have a designation for Saturday's wild-card game against the Rams, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: The Falcons termed all seven injured players as "ready to go" as they prepare to head west to open the postseason. Freeman himself had "no limitations" Thursday as it pertains to "running and cutting" with his knee injury, Dan Quinn told McClure. Quinn's statement contradicts Freeman's listing as "limited" at Thursday's session, but the running back is set to attack the Rams' 28th-ranked run defense this weekend.

Limited participant Wednesday

Freeman (knee) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Analysis: Before Wednesday's session, head coach Dan Quinn said Freeman would "get a little bit of work," according to Kelsey Conway of the Falcons' official site. The preceding workload predictably translated to a limited showing, setting Freeman up for even more activity in the final practice of the week Thursday. Because Quinn is "encouraged" about Freeman's health, there doesn't seem to be much worry about the running back missing Saturday's wild-card game against the Rams.

Will practice Wednesday

Falcons head coach Dan Quinn said that Freeman (knee) will "get a little bit of work" in during Wednesday's practice, Kelsey Conway of the Falcons' official site reports.

Analysis: It sounds like Freeman will be more active than he was during the Falcons' first practice of the week Tuesday, when he was listed as a non-participant due to the knee injury he sustained in Sunday's 22-10 win over the Panthers. Quinn added that he was "encouraged" about Freeman's status heading into the wild-card matchup with the Rams over the weekend, so it wouldn't appear that the running back is in any serious peril of missing that contest. The Falcons are likely just being cautious with…read more

Nursing knee injury

Freeman didn't practice Tuesday due to a knee injury, Kelsey Conway of the Falcons' official site reports.

Analysis: Freeman tended to a knee injury in the aftermath of a Week 9 loss at Carolina, but following a limited/full/full practice regimen, he was cleared for the Falcons' next game. On this occasion, the Falcons may be holding Freeman out as a precaution, which would be confirmed with an appearance at one or both of the team's remaining practices this week.

Freeman rushed 11 times for 23 yards but gathered in nine of 11 targets for 85 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 22-10 win over the Panthers.

Analysis: Freeman and backfield mate Tevin Coleman produced identical lines in the ground game, but the former truly distinguished himself through the air. Freeman opened the scoring on the afternoon with his 19-yard touchdown reception to cap the Falcons' opening drive, and he went on to post season bests in receptions and receiving yardage. The four-year pro did struggle on the ground over the final two regular-season contests overall, however, gaining just 59 yards on 22 carries (2.7 YPC). He'll look…read more

Freeman carried 11 times for 36 yards and caught two of three targets for an additional 20 yards Sunday against the Saints. He also lost a fumble in the 23-13 loss.

Analysis: Freeman could have easily had a much better afternoon from a fantasy perspective if not for a fumble near the goal line and another series in which he was stuffed in the same area. Unfortunately, the fumble was his first of the season, and the 56 scrimmage yards were his fewest in a game he completed since Week 1. Freeman will look to atone for this outing next week against the Panthers, as his team battles for playoff positioning.

Totals 194 scrimmage yards Monday

Freeman rushed 22 times for 126 yards with a touchdown and caught five of seven targets for 68 yards in Monday night's 24-21 win over the Buccaneers.

Analysis: Freeman's 194 all-purpose yards marked the second most of his career, as he led the Falcons in both rushing and receiving. Although his night could've been even better had he not fumbled at the goal line in the first quarter, resulting in tight end Levine Toilolo falling on the ball in the end zone for a touchdown, Freeman ultimately compensated with a 32-yard run to paydirt during the fourth quarter. While it remains to be seen whether Tevin Coleman (concussion) will be cleared in time for…read more

Freeman logged 24 carries for 91 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's 20-17 win over the Saints while also fumbling once.

Analysis: Freeman looked sharp while averaging 6.2 yards per carry on 12 totes against the Vikings last Sunday in his return from what amounted to nearly a three-game absence due to a concussion. He followed up that effort with a season high in carries Thursday, leading to his second-best rushing total of the season. Freeman was shut out of the air attack altogether, something that had yet to transpire this season outside of the Week 10 contest versus the Cowboys that Freeman had exited early due to his…read more

Freeman carried 12 times for 74 yards and caught one of two targets for seven yards during Sunday's 14-9 loss to the Vikings.

Analysis: Freeman returned from a two-week absence to face a stout Vikings defense, but he still shredded them for 6.2 yards per carry with a long gain of 13 yards. He notably out-touched Tevin Coleman, who carried the load in his absence, though the workloads for both backs were quite similar (13 versus 11 touches). Freeman still hasn't reached the end zone since Week 4, and the backfield timeshare the team is sticking with should limit his ceiling once again Thursday against the Saints.

In line for typical workload

According to head coach Dan Quinn, Freeman is expected to handle his normal workload Sunday against the Vikings, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Freeman missed the better part of the last three games due to a concussion, his second of the season and third of his three-plus years as a professional. Although there's always worry another hit will force him to the sideline, he's nonetheless the No. 1 back when healthy, averaging 81.1 yards from scrimmage per game and scoring five touchdowns across the first eight contests of the season. Meanwhile, the replacement during Freeman's absence, Tevin Coleman, managed 64.3 scrimmage yards per…read more

Won't face limitations Sunday

Falcons head coach Dan Quinn said Freeman won't face any limitations Sunday against the Vikings in the running back's return from a two-game absence due to a concussion, Kelsey Conway of the Falcons' official site reports.

Analysis: Freeman essentially missed three full games with the concussion -- the second he's sustained this season -- as he played just two snaps in the Nov. 12 win over Dallas before departing. His medium-term hiatus paved the way for Tevin Coleman to pace the Falcons' running attack, with the Indiana product amassing 243 total yards and four touchdowns over the past three contests. Coleman should still hold a key role as a change-of-pace option out of the backfield, but given Quinn's comments, it's…read more

Returns in full Wednesday

Freeman (concussion) practiced in full Wednesday, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: On the heels of clearing the concussion protocol, Freeman handled every practice rep presented to him Wednesday, thus bringing an end to a two-game absence. No matter, the sledding will be tough in his return Sunday against the Vikings' second-ranked run defense.

Clears protocol, will practice

Falcons head coach Dan Quinn said Freeman cleared the concussion protocol and will practice Wednesday, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Freeman was shut down for the Falcons' past two games after suffering his third known concussion since 2015 and second of the season in Atlanta's Nov. 12 win over the Cowboys. With the running back apparently no longer exhibiting symptoms after he practiced on a limited basis in a no-contact jersey last week, he's now on track to suit up Sunday against the Vikings. He'll presumably settle back in as the Falcons' top running back, though Tevin Coleman, who started the past two games, is likely…read more

Won't play this week

Falcons coach Dan Quinn said Freeman (concussion) won't play in Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, William McFadden of the team's official website reports.

Analysis: Freeman was a limited practice participant Wednesday and Thursday, but it sounds like he didn't do much actual work Friday in the Falcons' final practice this week. The need for a multi-game absence doesn't come as a surprise, considering Freeman previously dealt with concussions in November 2015 and August of this year. Tevin Coleman will get another shot to lead the Atlanta backfield, with Terron Ward serving as the No. 2 option. Coleman logged 68 percent of the offensive snaps in a 34-31 win…read more

Not taking contact Friday

Freeman (concussion) wore a non-contact jersey at Friday's practice, Kelsey Conway of the Falcons' official website reports.

Analysis: It's not yet clear if Freeman will practice on a limited basis Friday like he did Thursday, but it appears he will not get in a full practice this week. Freeman remains in the concussion protocol, and he will need to be cleared from that before he has any chance to get back on the field. If Freeman remains sidelined Sunday, Tevin Coleman would again be the primary ball carrier for the Falcons.

Will be limited Thursday

Head coach Dan Quinn said Freeman (concussion) will be a limited participant at Thursday's practice, Kelsey Conway of the Falcons' official site reports.

Analysis: His first overt sign of progress through the concussion protocol, Freeman may have reached his baseline testing marker, which allows a player to work out again. In the coming days, he'll focus on increasing his activity level while avoiding a recurrence of symptoms, but an independent neurologist still must clear Freeman before he can return to game action. The Falcons take the field Sunday at 1:00 p.m. EDT, so owners will have time to find a replacement if he doesn't make the requisite…read more

Still in protocol, not practicing Wednesday

Falcons head coach Dan Quinn said that Freeman remains in the NFL's concussion protocol and won't practice Wednesday, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: It appears Freeman hasn't made much notable progress in his recovery from the concussion since entering the protocol following his early departure in the first quarter of the Falcons' Week 10 win over the Cowboys. Though practice participation doesn't have any bearing on a player receiving clearance from the protocol, it's typically an indication that one is trending in the right direction. Given that Freeman had a prior history of concussions before suffering his latest head injury, the…read more

Ruled out Monday

Freeman (concussion) has been ruled out of Monday's tilt against the Seahawks, Vaugn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Freeman will be sidelined for Monday's showdown with the Seahawks after suffering a concussion last Sunday against the Cowboys. The 25-year-old back has a history of concussions throughout his career, with this being his second on the year. Now that he is officially out, look for Tevin Coleman to carry the load Monday night, with Terron Ward taking over as the No. 2 option in the backfield.

Still not practicing

Freeman (concussion) isn't practicing Friday, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: While the Falcons aren't yet ready to rule him out, Freeman's concussion history makes it likely he'll miss at least one game, even with the Falcons playing on Monday Night Football against the Seahawks. He may be ruled out on the Falcons' final injury report Saturday if he doesn't manage some form of practice that day. Tevin Coleman is in line to act as the lead back Monday, with Terron Ward (knee) handling the backup gig. Freeman suffered a concussion this August and also had one in November…read more

Not practicing Thursday

Freeman (concussion) won't participate in Thursday's practice, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Freeman's absence from the first day of practice this week suggests he hasn't made much tangible progress through the NFL's concussion protocol since exiting Sunday's 27-7 win over the Cowboys with the head injury. If more of Freeman's symptoms subside in the next two days, it's possible he'll be able to practice Friday or Saturday in some capacity, but the running back will need to receive clearance from an independent neurologist before he's officially removed from the protocol. With that…read more

Though Freeman is in the NFL's concussion protocol, coach Dan Quinn hasn't ruled the running back out for next Monday's game against the Seahawks, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Analysis: That said, Freeman, who was also in the protocol back in August, is definitely on the iffy side of things in Week 11. If he ends up being sidelined against Seattle, Tevin Coleman would be in line to lead the Falcons rushing attack, with Terron Ward handling a complementary role.

Likely out for Week 11

Freeman (concussion) is unlikely to play Week 11 in Seattle, and he may require a multi-game absence, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Freeman suffered the injury in the first quarter of Sunday's 27-7 win over the Cowboys, allowing Tevin Coleman to set season-high marks for offensive snaps (44), carries (20) and rushing yards (83). The report hints that Freeman is dealing with some pretty serious symptoms, but teams typically don't have a good feel for a player's availability until later in the week. Fortunately for Freeman, he does have some extra time to recover as the Falcons prepare for a Monday Night Football showdown…read more

Ruled out with concussion

Freeman (concussion) won't return to Sunday's contest versus the Cowboys, William McFadden of the Falcons' official site reports.

Analysis: Freeman mustered two carries for three yards before his departure in the first quarter. After an evaluation, he has entered the league's concussion protocol, with its numerous steps to receive clearance to play again. On a positive note, he has more time than normal to do so due to the Falcons' Week 11 tilt landing on Monday Night Football. Until he's available again, Atlanta's backfield will be led by Tevin Coleman, with Terron Ward on hand for change-of-pace work.

Exits Sunday's gme

Freeman (head) was forced out of Sunday's game against the Cowboys in the first quarter, Kelsey Conway of the Falcons' official site reports.

Analysis: Per the report, Freeman is being evaluated for a possible head injury, with his return to the contest considered questionable. Next up for the Falcons' Week 10 carries are Tevin Coleman and Terron Ward.

Freeman (knee) logged another full practice Friday and doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Cowboys.

Analysis: Freeman was a limited participant Wednesday but then closed out the week with a pair of full practices. He should be fine to handle his usual role as the leader in a two-headed backfield with Tevin Coleman, facing a Dallas defense that's allowing 4.4 yards per carry but only 101.3 rushing yards per game. The Cowboys largely have limited opponents' rushing production by controlling the clock and maintaining leads, but they'll have a hard time executing that game plan as road underdogs without…read more

Makes it through full practice

Freeman (knee) completed a full practice Thursday.

Analysis: Just as head coach Dan Quinn predicted earlier Thursday, Freeman was able to take part in all drills during practice, a day after he was limited in the Falcons' first session of the week. With his knee issue unlikely to keep him on the injury report entering Sunday's matchup with the Cowboys, Freeman looks like a solid starting option across all season-long formats, but his DFS upside may be a bit more limited with his involvement in the run game having been somewhat restricted recently.…read more

In line for full practice Thursday

Falcons head coach Dan Quinn said that Freeman (knee) would be a full participant in practice Thursday, Kelsey Conway of the Falcons' official site reports.

Analysis: Unless his knee acts up during the session and ends up limiting his involvement Thursday, Freeman looks like he'll be in no danger of missing Sunday's game against the Cowboys. In addition to the knee issue, Freeman has battled a minor shoulder injury the last two weeks, which may help explain his downturn in usage over the second quarter of the season. Over the Falcons' first four games of the campaign, Freeman averaged 17.5 carries; in the subsequent four contests, he averaged only 11.

Limited with knee injury

Freeman was limited at Wednesday's practice with a knee injury, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Listed with a shoulder injury last week, Freeman logged 68 percent of the offensive snaps in Sunday's 20-17 loss to Carolina, gaining 46 yards on 11 carries and 18 yards on four receptions. While the shoulder no longer seems to be an issue, he came out of the game with a knee injury and also said he took a hard hit to the neck and had the wind knocked out of him, per McClure. Freeman seems to be on track for Sunday's game against Dallas, though he may be a bit nicked up, which doesn't bode…read more

Comes down with unknown injury

Freeman emerged from Sunday's 20-17 defeat at Carolina with an undisclosed injury, Kelsey Conway of the Falcons' official site reports.

Analysis: A "shoulder stinger" capped Freeman's practice reps last week, but he still handled 41 of the Falcons' 60 offensive snaps. With a different ailment in tow this time around, little will be known about it until the team releases their first Week 10 injury report Wednesday.

Freeman rushed 11 times for 46 yards and secured four of five targets for 18 yards in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Panthers.

Analysis: Freeman didn't appear encumbered by the shoulder ailment he'd been saddled with early in the practice week, but a second-half deficit limited his rushing opportunities. Freeman hasn't see more than 12 carries in any contest since Week 4, putting a significant cap on his overall upside. While he significantly outpaced backfield mate Tevin Coleman in rushing touches after the latter had logged two more carries than him in Week 9, Freeman saw the latter score a receiving touchdown while he failed…read more

Cleared to face Carolina

Freeman (shoulder) remained limited at Friday's practice, but he doesn't have an injury designation ahead of Sunday's contest in Carolina.

Analysis: Listed as a limited participant all week, Freeman took some contact at Friday's practice, setting him up to get the start Sunday against a tough Carolina defense that has yet to allow a 75-yard rusher this season. The Falcons might mix in Tevin Coleman a bit more than usual, but Freeman is still the favorite to lead the backfield in touches and snaps.

Taking contact Friday

Freeman (shoulder) was spotted in a black jersey at Friday's practice, but Falcons head coach Dan Quinn relayed the running back is feeling fine and was still able to take contact, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Freeman donned the jersey as part of limited no-contact sessions Wednesday and Thursday, but it appears he was simply wearing the garment Friday simply because he liked it rather than as a result of any continued restrictions. It's possible that the Falcons will still end up listing Freeman as a limited participant for Friday's practice, but the running back doesn't look to be in any serious danger of missing Sunday's game against the Panthers, even if he carries an injury designation heading…read more

Expects to play Sunday

Freeman doesn't believe his shoulder injury will impact his ability to play Sunday at Carolina, Kelsey Conway of the Falcons' official site reports.

Analysis: Donning a black no-contact jersey for a second consecutive practice Thursday, Freeman was again tabbed as limited. Clearly maintenance-related at this point, Friday's injury report will nonetheless relay his odds to play Week 9.