After an injury-plagued 2018 season, Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman's recovery is going very well. In fact, head coach Dan Quinn says Freeman has looked great during the team's offseason program and will be a full-go for training camp.
“We can’t wait to get Free back,” Quinn said, per D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “He’s having such an awesome offseason. His energy, his juice, like him being around the team, you feel what he brings.
“So it’s been awesome having him as part of the offseason program again. When you get to see the team out here this spring, I think you’ll feel the energy at running back certainly with Free leading the way.”
Freeman was hampered by knee and groin injuries last season, which saw him feature in just two games. He finished with just 68 rushing yards on 14 carries and five catches for 23 yards.
Prior to that injury-shortened year, though, Freeman was one of the most dynamic running backs in the league. He averaged 1,400 yards from scrimmage with 35 total touchdowns from 2015-17 and was a Pro Bowler in 2015 and 2016.
The Falcons will need Freeman to shoulder much of the load on the ground with last year's leading rusher, Tevin Coleman, signing for the San Francisco 49ers. Ito Smith, as well as rookies Qadree Ollison and Marcus Smith, could also see carries behind Freeman on the depth chart.
If Freeman can get back to his best, the Falcons offense — with Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, and Calvin Ridley — have a chance to make some noise in the NFC this season.
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