Will get starting nod Sunday

Coleman will step in as the Falcons' lead back and Ito Smith as the No. 2 option with Devonta Freeman (knee) inactive for Sunday's game against Carolina, Kelsey Conway of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: Coleman has been remarkably productive in three career games with Devonta Freeman out of the lineup, picking up 250 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 57 carries. He was the second-highest scoring Falcon last week in PPR scoring formats despite collecting just 10 offensive touches -- finishing the night with a respectable 11.5 fantasy points while scoring Atlanta's lone touchdown against the Eagles. The 25-year-old back has his work cut out for him against Carolina's talented front seven,…read more

Could handle lead role Week 2

The Falcons are preparing for Sunday's game against the Panthers as though Coleman will serve as the team's lead back, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. "We highly regard [Coleman]," head coach Dan Quinn said. "We've been down this road before, if it gets to that where [Devonta Freeman can't play], Tevin can certainly handle [the load]."

Analysis: For much of the past three seasons, the top backfield duties have fallen to Freeman, but he's no lock to suit up Week 2 after missing his second straight practice Thursday due to a sore knee. Even if Freeman is cleared to suit up come Sunday, the Falcons would likely monitor his usage carefully, potentially paving the way for Coleman to pick up the bulk of the snaps out of the backfield. Coleman previously handled the lead role while Freeman missed two games with a concussion last November,…read more

Tallies Atlanta's lone touchdown

Coleman rushed for 19 yards and a touchdown on nine attempts, adding one reception for 26 yards during the Falcons' 18-12 loss to Philadelphia on Thursday.

Analysis: Coleman carried his impressive preseason form into Week 1 against the Eagles, as he joined Jay Ajayi and Julio Jones as the only players to break double-digits in standard scoring formats. If Devonta Freeman (knee) is indeed active for Atlanta's Week 2 matchup against Carolina, he is likely to have a tempered pitch count in an attempt to keep him healthy down the stretch of the regular season, meaning that Coleman could be in line for upwards of 20 touches against a Panthers defense that…read more

Sharp again in preseason game

Coleman compiled 38 yards on seven rush attempts, adding one reception for 10 yards in a 17-6 loss to Jacksonville on Saturday.

Analysis: Granted, 22 of Coleman's 38 rushing yards came from a single carry, but the 25-year-old back looked explosive once again with Devonta Freeman out of the lineup. Since being contained to eight yards on three attempts in the preseason opener versus the Jets, Coleman has picked up 6.1 yards per carry over the past two contests against the Chiefs and Jaguars (73 yards on 12 carries). Sure to be one of the most coveted free-agent targets once his contract expires after the season, Coleman is off to…read more

Electrifying in brief appearance

Coleman collected 35 yards on five carries during Friday's preseason game against the Chiefs.

Analysis: The scatback displayed impressive burst with a limited workload, slicing through the Kansas City defense for back-to-back 15-yard runs on the Falcons' first offensive possession of the ballgame. Coleman picked up his second consecutive start as Devonta Freeman was held out following his injury-riddled 2017 campaign. With Coleman entering the final year of his rookie contract, it will be intriguing to see if Atlanta elects to "run him into the ground" so to speak, or if the coaching staff…read more

Bottled up by Gang Green defense

Coleman rushed for eight yards on three attempts in a 17-0 loss to the Jets on Friday night.

Analysis: Coleman got the starting nod at running back for the inactive Devonta Freeman (healthy scratch), taking the field for one drive with Matt Ryan and the first-team offense. There was little room to run for the 25-year-old scatback in his brief appearance, as he was contained to a one-yard gain on his first touch of the season (a toss right that was blown up by Nathan Shepherd). His longest run of the night came from a six-yard scamper a few plays later on a draw, when the Falcons were facing a…read more

Coleman may have heightened involvement in the Falcons offense during the upcoming season, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. "They want to use me more," Coleman said at OTAs on Wednesday, "Line me up out wide and stuff like that. It's going to be pretty cool."

Analysis: As the Falcons continue to add wrinkles to their offensive game plan in OTAs, Coleman is garnering consideration for increased playing time moving forward. Asides from his 13 rushing touchdowns over the past two seasons, the 25-year-old running back has also made notable contributions as a pass catcher, hauling in 58 receptions with six touchdowns since 2016. Head coach Dan Quinn provided an endorsement Wednesday that further indicates a more integral role for Coleman, saying that he made "a…read more

Coleman and the Falcons may discuss a long-term contract, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: After the Falcons signed Devonta Freeman to a five-year, $41.25 million extension in August, there was speculation Coleman would be available for trade in the 2018 offseason or else would be one of the major prizes in 2019 free agency. Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff isn't ready to write off Coleman's long-term future with the organization, recently saying he can envision a scenario in which both running backs are handsomely paid. It still seems likely that Coleman could find a larger…read more

Coleman rushed for 79 yards on 10 carries and added a 14-yard catch during Saturday's 15-10 loss to Philadelphia.

Analysis: With Philly stuffing teammate Devonta Freeman for much of the game, Coleman stepped up, gashing the Eagles for four runs of at least 10 yards, including a 10-yard burst that set Atlanta up inside the Eagles' 10-yard line with a minute left. Coleman had a nice season for Atlanta, helping fill in while Freeman was out with a concussion and setting career highs in touches and rushing yards. It'll be interesting to see how he develops in what will be a contract year in 2018.

Coleman rushed for 40 yards on 14 carries and added 28 yards on three catches during Saturday's 26-13 win over the Rams.

Analysis: Coleman finished Saturday with just two fewer touches, 19 to 17, than Devonta Freeman as the Falcons went to the ground in an effort to keep the Rams' potent pass rush at bay. Coleman didn't make any wow plays, but his 68 yards marked a high in the five games since Freeman returned from injury, having entered Saturday averaging just 42.5 yards per game since Freeman's return. The 17 touches also represent a high during that span. It's hard to see Coleman having much of an opportunity to improve…read more

Cleared to face Saints

Coleman (concussion) doesn't have a designation on the final injury report for Sunday's game in New Orleans.

Analysis: Coleman was a limited practice participant Wednesday and a full participant Thursday and Friday, leaving no doubt about his status for Week 16. He'll return to a complementary role behind Devonta Freeman, who took advantage of Coleman's one-game absence with 27 touches for 194 yards and a touchdown in Monday's 24-21 win over the Buccaneers. Coleman cleared the final hurdle in the concussion protocol Thursday.

Returns to full capacity Thursday

Coleman (concussion) was a full practice participant Thursday, Kelsey Conway of the Falcons' official site reports.

Analysis: Just hours after gaining clearance from an independent neurologist, Coleman practiced with limitations for the first time since Dec. 6, putting an end to his two-week journey through the concussion protocol. As a result, the Falcons backfield will be fully operational Sunday at New Orleans, whose defense has surrendered nearly 135 yards from scrimmage per game and 11 touchdowns to running backs this season.

Removed from concussion protocol

Falcons head coach Dan Quinn said Thursday that Coleman has cleared the concussion protocol, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reports.

Analysis: Coleman was held out of Monday's 24-21 win over the Buccaneers with the head injury, but after practicing on a limited basis Wednesday without any complications and gaining clearance from an independent neurologist thereafter, the running back doesn't look to be in any danger of missing the Falcons' final two games of the regular season. His health will be validated by a return to full practice Thursday, though the possibility exists that the Falcons will limit Coleman's workload again as a…read more

Returning as limited participant

Coleman (concussion) will be a limited participant at Wednesday's practice, Kelsey Conway of the Falcons' official site reports.

Analysis: The activity marks Coleman's first since sustaining a concussion Week 14 against the Saints, but it comes with a caveat: no contact. While Coleman will likely be contained to individual drills, any progress made through the concussion protocol is notable. No matter, in order to take the field Sunday -- again versus New Orleans -- he must gain clearance from an independent neurologist.

Out Monday

Coleman (concussion) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Buccaneers, Falcons Radio Network producer Wendy Adams reports.

Analysis: Coleman sustained the injury last week in a 20-17 victory over the Saints. He was unable to receive clearance for practice throughout the week, and will ultimately watch Week 15 from the sidelines. As a result, Devonta Freeman will presumably take on a larger workload than usual, while Terron Ward figures to serve as the No. 2 back.

Misses another practice

Coleman (concussion) isn't practicing Friday, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Analysis: Coleman suffered the injury in last Thursday's 20-17 win over the Saints and hasn't practiced in any capacity since. He'll get one last chance to participate Saturday, with another absence likely making him a long shot for Monday's game in Tampa Bay. Devonta Freeman would then take on a larger workload, with Terron Ward serving as the No. 2 back. Other than the official injury report, the Falcons haven't provided any hints about whether or not they expect Coleman to play.

Remains in protocol

Coleman remains in the NFL's concussion protocol and was a non-participant in Thursday's practice, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Coleman's failure to practice indicates that he hasn't reached the latter stages of the protocol, a somewhat troubling development given that he suffered the injury in the Falcons' Dec. 7 win over the Saints and has yet to make much notable progress. The Falcons will see if Coleman's symptoms subside enough for him to take part in practices Friday or Saturday, but his chances of suiting up Monday against the Buccaneers are looking dicey at the moment. If Coleman misses another contest, lead…read more

Still in concussion protocol

Head coach Dan Quinn said Tuesday that Coleman is still in concussion protocol, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Analysis: Five days after Coleman suffered the injury in Thursday's win over the Saints, the running back is still dealing with concussion-like symptoms. With Atlanta not scheduled to play again until Monday night in Tampa Bay, Coleman still has plenty of time to be medically cleared, but his status for the week is still in question until that time comes.

Enters NFL's concussion protocol

Falcons head coach Dan Quinn confirmed Friday that Coleman suffered a concussion in Thursday's 20-17 win over the Saints and has entered the NFL's protocol for head injuries, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Analysis: Coleman exited in the second half with the concussion, finishing with 32 yards on nine carries. With the Falcons having 10 full days off before their next game Dec. 18 against the Buccaneers, Coleman has a fair chance to clear the protocol by that point. Expect the Falcons to provide an update on the running back's condition when the team resumes practicing next week.

Being evaluated for concussion

Coleman is being evaluated for a concussion, William McFadden of the Falcons' official site reports.

Analysis: Coleman had nine carries for 32 yards before exiting Thursday's contest, while his backfield mate Devonta Freeman logged 24 carries for 91 yards and a touchdown. Coleman has seen his role significantly reduced since Freeman has come back from a concussion, as he has become more of a supplementary option in the Falcons offense. The third-year back out of Indiana will have 10 days to clear the concussion protocol before Atlanta takes on the Buccaneers in Week 15.

Coleman carried eight times for 22 yards and caught three of six targets for an additional 27 yards during Sunday's 14-9 loss to the Vikings.

Analysis: Coleman averaged a paltry 2.8 yards per carry in this one and only achieved some success as a pass catcher, leading the team in targets and receptions. His workload was roughly half of that which he received during Devonta Freeman's concussion absence, with the latter returning to action to head the backfield Sunday. Coleman has still managed to produce, despite the timeshare with Freeman this season, and will look to get back on track Thursday against the Saints.

Likely to settle back into backup role

Coleman is expected to serve in a backup role at running back Sunday against the Vikings with regular starter Devonta Freeman having cleared the NFL's concussion protocol, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Freeman was removed early in the Falcons' Nov. 12 win over the Cowboys after sustaining the concussion, paving the way for Coleman to act as the team's lead back for much of the last three games. Atlanta didn't miss a beat with Coleman heading the running attack, as the former Indiana standout amassed 223 yards and four scores on 59 carries while adding 20 yards through the air. Even before Freeman suffered the head injury, Coleman had a sizable role in the team's offensive game plan, averaging…read more

Coleman rushed 19 times for 97 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 34-20 win over the Buccaneers.

Analysis: Coleman assumed lead-back duties for the second straight week with Devonta Freeman (concussion) still sidelined, and he found the Buccaneers' defense a bit more facilitating than a stingy Seahawks unit last Monday night. The third-year back has now scored at least one touchdown in three straight games, and has been impressive on the ground in two of those contests (combined 39 carries for 180 yards and three touchdowns) while seeing extended action. Freeman could well be ready to suit up for a…read more

Set for lead role again

Coleman's teammate Devonta Freeman (concussion) will miss another game Sunday against the Buccaneers, William McFadden of the team's official website reports.

Analysis: Coleman set career-high marks for touches (21) and snap share (68 percent) when Freeman was knocked out early in a Week 10 win over the Cowboys. Oddly enough, Coleman duplicated both of those marks in last week's 34-31 over the Seahawks, though he needed a touchdown to salvage his stat line against a tough defense that held him to 58 yards (2.2 per carry, 2.8 per touch). He could be in for a similar Week 12 workload, this time facing a Tampa defense that's mediocre against the run and sub-par…read more

Coleman rushed 20 times for 43 yards and a touchdown in Monday night's 34-31 win over the Seahawks. He also caught one of two targets for 15 yards.

Analysis: Coleman got off to a solid start, punching in a one-yard touchdown on Atlanta's opening drive, but he found little room to run overall. While that's no surprise against a rugged Seattle defense, Coleman has now scored in three straight games, and had another touchdown overturned in the fourth quarter Monday. After enjoying a nice uptick in fantasy value recently, Coleman's Week 12 stock figures to be impacted by teammate Devonta Freeman's (concussion) status to face the Buccaneers.

Head coach Dan Quinn said that Coleman would be a capable lead back for the Falcons if Devonta Freeman (concussion) is forced to miss Monday's game against the Seahawks, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports. "It's the explosive plays that Tev is able to create, and it's the 3-yard run and all of a sudden it turns into a 25-yard run," Quinn said. "It's the explosiveness, it's the speed that he has when he can get on the edge or get to the second level. Those are the ones when he gets to the next level, you're watching and you're like, 'OK, it's about to go.'"

Analysis: Since entering the league in 2015, Coleman has averaged no worse than 4.4 yards per carry in any season and has developed into a viable pass-catching threat out of the backfield over the past season and change, tallying 48 receptions in 22 contests. Despite Coleman's strong per-play production, the presence of a two-time Pro Bowler in the same backfield has limited his volume more often than not, which has regularly made it difficult to depend on the 24-year-old from week to week in most…read more

Coleman rushed 20 times for 83 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 27-7 win over the Cowboys. He also hauled in his lone target for five yards.

Analysis: With Devonta Freeman concussed on the Falcons' second play of the day, Coleman took over and would punch in his touchdown from the 1-yard line in the second quarter. He then tallied 61 of his rush yards in the second half to help put the game away. If Freeman is forced to miss time, Coleman will continue to get the bulk of the carries for the Falcons, although he faces a stiff test in Seattle in Week 11.