FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – Running back Devonta Freeman has been ruled out to play in the Falcons' third preseason game on Saturday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, head coach Dan Quinn announced on Wednesday.
This will be the second consecutive game Freeman will miss as he nears the end of the league's concussion protocol.
Freeman began running this week at practice after not traveling with the team to Pittsburgh last weekend.
Quinn is hopeful his Pro Bowl running back will return soon as he says Freeman has reached the "independent" part of the protocol.
Freeman has been one of Atlanta's most productive players over the past three seasons – rushing for 2,383 yards and 23 touchdowns. The Pro Bowler has also been a factor in Atlanta's passing game, catching 157 passes for 1,265 yards and six touchdowns.
The Falcons rewarded Freeman for his play over the past couple of seasons by signing him to a five-year contract extension in early August as he enters the final year of his rookie contract.
