Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman played in just two games this past season due to knee and groin issues that ultimately landed him on the injured reserve list, and Falcons head coach Dan Quinn is excited to get Freeman back in the offense and says that he has a lot to prove heading into 2019.
“He’s doing well, I’m excited to get him back in the mix,” Quinn said, according to James Parks of 247 Sports. “He’s a factor in the run game for sure based on his slashing style but he’s also a really good receiver. He’s one of those guys who has a lot to prove and heading into the season that’s a good thing. [I told him] his lost year, make it matter.”
With Atlanta losing fellow running back Tevin Coleman to the San Francisco 49ers in free agency this offseason, there will be a lot of pressure on Freeman to produce next year.
The 27-year-old, who played his collegiate football at Florida State University, was originally selected by the Falcons in the fourth round (103rd pick overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft.
He had a quiet rookie campaign, rushing for 248 yards and a touchdown while registering 30 catches for 225 yards and a score, but the following year, Freeman broke out, racking up 1,056 yards and a league-leading 11 touchdowns on the ground while also hauling in 73 receptions for 578 yards and three scores en route to a Pro Bowl appearance.
Freeman then totaled 1,079 yards while reaching the end zone 11 times on the ground in 2016, catching 54 passes for 462 yards and a couple of touchdowns to earn another Pro Bowl selection.
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