The Atlanta Falcons have been capitalizing on the rise of Devonta Freeman over the past few games. The running back is leading the NFL in touchdowns in his second season with the team. After dropping Steven Jackson and Jacquizz Rodgers, Freeman is quickly proving that he is the workhorse the Falcons have needed. However, Freeman's production is a result of Tevin Coleman's injury. With the rookie set to return in Week 5, what does that do to Freeman's carries?
According to ESPN's Vaughn McClure, Coleman has returned to practice following fractured ribs suffered against the New York Giants and the team is hopeful that he can play against the Washington Redskins on Sunday. The rookie running back was limited on Thursday, but could see playing time quickly. Head coach Dan Quinn stressed that he would like to see more of a 50-50 split with the two running backs which could drop Freeman in fantasy. The running back told the media he is not concerned about that.
"Of course I care about being a starter, but I'm not a selfish athlete," Freeman said, via ESPN.com. "I could get in in the third quarter and make plays. I could get in in the second half and make plays. I could get in in the first quarter later and make plays. It really don't matter. As long as we get the win ... I'm for my brothers, man."
The Falcons also have Terron Ward to add into the mix of running backs. The undrafted free agent has been making some noise as the backup to Freeman while Coleman is injured. He got his first career touchdown against the Houston Texans last week and could see more playing time. Coleman told the media 'the more the merrier' with the running back rotation which can only help Atlanta.
"When you have three guys who are all confidence in the run and pass game, it's a good situation for myself to not have to keep looking up at who's in. I think we have three good backs and I think Ward showed last week he can play hard," said offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan via AJC.com.
Roddy White is also taking the attitude of the more playmakers the better for the Falcons. The receiver made some headlines this week after speaking out in regards to the offense and his role in it. According to McClure, White and Quinn sat down and discussed football and things are fine for the receiver. He stressed there are not lingering issues as both Julio Jones and Matt Ryan have come to his defense.
"It's really not a controversy," White said. "My role is what it is. I've talked to DQ, and we've gotten past that. There are certain things that get out into the media, and people just take it way too far. I'm on a positive note. We're 4-0. And that's what it is right now."
