With reports of Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman nearing a return from a concussion, we discuss why he needs to remain sidelined.
Here we go again. The word concussion has almost become somewhat of a cuss word in football circles since the research on former NFL players’ brains have come back extremely negative. Even though the league tries to water down this issue every season, it doesn’t change the fact that professional football players are dealing with head injuries week after week.
That being said, it definitely didn’t make any Atlanta Falcons fans happy when they heard Devonta Freeman was dealing with concussion symptoms at the end of last week. While Freeman dealing with a head injury is concerning, the report that he is close to returning is even more troubling.
The former Florida State Seminoles’ football player is heading into his fourth season in the NFL and not to mention, the team just signed him to a huge, long-term contract. Needless to say, Atlanta cannot afford to let their best running back have a shortened season because of rushing him back from a concussion.
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Take a look at the report on Freeman’s status from Pro Football Focus:
"Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn said Wednesday that running back Devonta Freeman could return soon. Freeman has been in the concussion protocol and is already ruled out for the team’s second preseason game."
Yes, Freeman has already been ruled out of this weekend’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but it sounds like he could make an appearance in the team’s third preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. While that would be awesome for the home crowd to see, I don’t believe it’s the smartest idea for Freeman or the Falcons.
Freeman is the most underrated player on this entire Falcons offense. Not to mention, he plays with the intensity and grit that a Dan Quinn player should resemble. If there are four-to-five players this team can ill-afford to lose moving forward, one of them is Freeman.
Call me cautious and call me paranoid, but I would not have Freeman suit up for another game this preseason. Head injuries are something that should be taken very seriously and he deserves to have a long of a career as possible.
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Not to mention, the Falcons needs him healthy when they travel to Chicago to face the Bears in week one. Don’t be silly Atlanta, sit your best running back until September — it’ll be alright.