Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman recently inked a deal to make him the NFL’s highest-paid running back. One game into the league’s preseason schedule, he’s dealing with a concussion that will keep him out of action for at least one contest.
Coach Quinn says @devontafreeman is in concussion protocol, will be ruled out for Sunday's game pic.twitter.com/xk7mZcO0y4
— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) August 14, 2017
“After taking him inside yesterday where we thought he had heat related (issues), he reported that he had some concussion symptoms,” Quinn said on Monday, per the Atlanta Journal Constitution. “So, we put him in the protocol for that. He’ll be out this week. He may start practicing as we, but we are going to rule him out now.”
Freeman is the second starting running back to suffer a concussion this summer, before games even count. Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi missed two weeks of practice with a concussion, and he’s still not out of the league’s concussion protocol.
The Falcons didn’t use Freeman heavily during their first preseason game. He touched the ball just twice but did score on a reception during the game’s opening drive.