Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman remains in the concussion protocol and will not play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, per ESPN’s Vaughn McClure.

Freeman, who exited the Falcons’ game against the Dallas Cowboys early due to the injury, also missed their 34-31 win over the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday. He had finally returned to practice, but his inability to clear the concussion protocol means he will miss out once again.

Tevin Coleman got the start in place of Freeman against Seattle but was held to just 43 yards on 20 carries by the Seahawks defense. Terron Ward fared much better in a backup role, racking up 31 yards on only six carries.

Article Continues Below
More NFL News
Tommy Rees speaks to reporters during his introductory news conference as Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator.
New Browns OC makes declaration on heated QB competitionJaren Kawada ·
Center Frank Ragnow is interviewed by the media during the Detroit Lions training camp at the Lions practice facility in Allen Park, Mich. on Monday, July 29, 2024.
Dan Campbell pays tribute to Frank Ragnow after surprise retirementBen Strauss ·
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (87) is unable to make a reception during the fourth quarter of their game
Matt LaFleur highlights Packers ‘specimen’ with ‘physique’ transformationScotty White ·
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (87) makes a catch and runs the ball against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium
Packers WR Romeo Doubs gets brutally honest on major ‘regret’Ben Strauss ·
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin looks on in the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium.
Steelers insider points out Mike Tomlin’s 180 on OTAs amid Aaron Rodgers sagaJaren Kawada ·
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws a pass against the Houston Texans during the first half at MetLife Stadium.
Steelers rumors: Why Pittsburgh isn’t worried about Aaron Rodgers not signing yetBen Strauss ·

The Falcons are currently at 6-4 and are still in the thick of the wild-card race in the NFC. After the Bucs, they face tough home games against two of the top three teams in the conference, the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints. Falcons head coach Dan Quinn remains unsure whether Freeman can return to face the Vikings the following Sunday, via McClure.

“I'm not going to go to that one. I'm just not going to go ever against whatever they recommend in any way, shape or form. What I can say is that it was awesome having him back out on the field — even in a limited fashion — seeing his speed, his quickness and the way he can catch.”

Freeman remains the Falcons' leading rusher this season with 515 yards on 116 carries and has a team-high five rushing touchdowns.