The Atlanta Falcons want to make the run game a priority this season, but they are having a hard time making it work as injuries run wild through the group. The Falcons currently have three running backs dealing with hamstring injuries after two preseason games, leaving the rushing attack up to undrafted free agent Terron Ward. This was not what Kyle Shanahan had in mind, but with certain players on the mend, the battle to start is expected to pick back up soon.
According to ESPN's Vaughn McClure, both Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman are back at practice with the intentions of playing in the third preseason game. They were active for the game against the New York Jets, but head coach Dan Quinn held both players out to continue healing. Now with Freeman and Coleman close to full speed, they will continue to battle for the starting job.
"I'm getting every rep," Freeman said, via AJC.com. "I'm taking every rep - not physically, but mentally, I'm repping it, and I feel like you need that to be a full pro, take mental reps, too, while you can't take physical reps and just learn from it. And I watch a lot of film, so I feel like I'm still practicing, just not physically."
Freeman is in the lead for the starting job. The injury to Coleman certainly set him back as the rookie is still adjusting to a new team and new offensive plan. Running backs coach Bobby Turner is not totally concerned with the issues at the position. He remains confident that both backs are built to excel in their roles. The only thing that will hold them back is more injuries.
That is the issue the wide receiver rotation is facing. According to McClure, Roddy White has undergone elbow surgery, but is expected to be healthy come Week 1. In his place, Leonard Hankerson, Justin Hardy and Devin Hester are picking up the slack. While they are all quality options for the offense, the Falcons need White to run alongside Julio Jones. Matt Ryan told the media that is not concerned about White missing time and remains confident the veteran will be back and healthy. In the meantime, he likes the depth the Falcons have built at the position.
"We'll be ready for him whenever he's ready to get back, and (we'll) try to get some good work done the next couple of weeks," Ryan said, via ESPN.com. "Anytime you have guys go down, that's part of the nature of football: certain things pop up, and other guys have opportunities to go out there and to get good work in. We'll have a chance for Hank and some of our young guys to get some more time. Hopefully that will bode well for us moving forward."