Injuries are an unfortunate part in the NFL and when they happen other players get a chance to step up and prove themselves. That is the case in Atlanta after a breakout performance from Devonta Freeman in Week 3. Tevin Coleman went out in Week 2 with a rib injury and in came Freeman who is now the official starting running back of the Falcons regardless of when the rookie returns.
Heading into the regular season, Coleman was named the starter over Freeman. As the second-year pro nursed a healing hamstring injury, Coleman took hold of the offense and impressed quickly. However, he is now out with cracked ribs which gave Freeman the chance to prove what he could do. According to a new depth chart released by the team via the official Falcons website, Freeman is now No.1 while Coleman is No.2. The move is not surprising considering Freeman did put up 141 yards on 30 carries for three touchdowns while also having five catches for 52 yards against the Dallas Cowboys.
It will be interesting to see what happens when Coleman returns. Head coach Dan Quinn had stated he wanted even carries for both running backs each game, but Freeman proved that with some time on the field and he can get going and be star. The rotation might hurt that. Coleman will get a heavy dose of work when healthy as his speed and agility pair well with Freeman down-field style, but it does not appear the rookie will be getting any starting nods.
Freeman is not the only one capitalizing on the moment. Leonard Hankerson is building a name for himself as Matt Ryan's second favorite target on the field. Despite coming in as a reserve for Roddy White, Hankerson is making the biggest impact as both a receiver and blocker on the field. He is working well in Kyle Shanahan's new offensive system which favors his style more than White's.
Levine Toilolo will get a chance to take advantage of injuries. According to Quinn via ESPN.com, Jacob Tamme is day-to-day with a concussion. If he is not cleared to play, Toilolo will take over. The tight end has had an up and down start to his NFL career. However, this season he has clearly improved as both a catcher and pass blocker for the team. That has given him more time on the field and Shanahan has been enjoying two tight end sets in the offense. With Tamme out, the job rests on Toilolo to prove himself.
