FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) - The Atlanta Falcons disputed a report that running back Devonta Freeman will be out for as long as three weeks with a knee injury.
Coach Dan Quinn said Monday that Freeman is listed as day to day.
Freeman injured his right knee in a Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and didn’t play in Sunday’s 31-24 victory over the Carolina Panthers.
ESPN reported that Freeman will miss two to three weeks with a contusion, which would rule him out of next weekend’s NFC South matchup against the New Orleans Saints and possibly a Sept. 30 game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
“I’m not sure where that report came from, but it certainly didn’t come from us,” Quinn said.
The coach remained vague about Freeman’s possible return, however, having said previously that hopes it’s not a long-term problem.
“When Devonta can (have) the same explosion he plays with, we’ll let him do his thing,” Quinn said. “Until that part comes, we’re not going to put a timetable on it.”
The Falcons (1-1) certainly didn’t miss Freeman in their win over the Panthers. Tevin Coleman rushed for 107 yards on 16 carries, while rookie Ito Smith chipped in 46 yards on nine carries.
Three players were injured in Sunday’s game: defensive end Takk McKinley (groin), offensive guard Andy Levitre (elbow) and backup defensive end Derrick Shelby (groin).
McKinley’s injury was not announced during the game, but he was not on the field in the closing minutes.
Quinn said he would have an update on all three players Wednesday, as required under NFL rules.
___
For more AP NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/tag/NFLfootball and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL
Please read our comment policy before commenting.