Cleared to play Week 17

Coleman (groin) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game in Tampa Bay, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Coleman returned to practice Friday as a limited participant, apparently showing enough to gain clearance for the season finale. He handled a 65 percent snap share in last week's 24-10 win over Carolina, taking 10 carries for 51 yards while Brian Hill piled up 115 yards on just eight totes. The two running backs figure to share work in what likely will be Coleman's final game with the Falcons.

Expected to play

Coach Dan Quinn said Friday that Coleman (groin) will play in Sunday's game at Tampa Bay, William McFadden of the Falcons' official site reports.

Analysis: Held out the previous two days, Coleman must've looked good Friday in his return to the practice field. It remains to be seen how he's listed on the final injury report for what likely will be his last game with the Falcons. Brian Hill is next in line for carries if Quinn has a change of heart or the team decides to limit Coleman's role.

Remains sidelined Thursday

Coleman (groin) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: There was an expectation Coleman would test out his groin strain in practice Thursday, but despite being present, he didn't join the running back group for individual drills, according to Jason Butt of The Athletic. Officially a DNP for a second consecutive session, Coleman hasn't done enough to match coach Dan Quinn's optimism about the running back's ability to play Sunday in Tampa Bay, per Butt. As long as Coleman's status remains in limbo, Brian Hill will work with the first-team offense…read more

May practice Thursday

Coach Dan Quinn hopes Coleman (groin) will practice Thursday, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: In the wake of the Falcons' Week 16 victory at Carolina, Coleman is tending to a strained groin, which didn't allow him to practice Wednesday. Returning to drills one day later would be in line with Quinn's optimism about the running back, who he believes has a chance to play in Sunday's season finale in Tampa Bay, per Jason Butt of The Athletic. An appearance at Thursday's session would put Coleman on the path to doing just that.

Held out Wednesday

Coleman (groin) didn't participate in Wednesday's practice, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Coleman left the Falcons' Week 16 win at Carolina with a groin strain. Initially, coach Dan Quinn was optimistic about Coleman's ability to play Sunday in Tampa Bay, telling Jason Butt of The Athletic on Monday that the running back has a shot to suit up in the finale. On Wednesday, though, Quinn was more tempered with his expectations for Coleman, whose availability will be determined by what is in his "best interest," per McClure. If the worst-case scenario comes to pass, Coleman would yield…read more

Could play in regular-season finale

Head coach Dan Quinn said that while Coleman is dealing with a strained groin, the running back has a "good chance to play" in Sunday's season finale against Tampa Bay, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Coleman is expected to participate in walkthroughs Wednesday and Thursday, according to Jason Butt of The Athletic, and his ability to make it through those sessions will likely play a role in whether Coleman will suit up Sunday. If he ultimately is shut down, Atlanta will turn to a combination of Brian Hill and Jeremy Langford to spearhead the rushing attack.

Picks up groin injury

Coleman suffered a groin injury during Sunday's game at Carolina, Jason Butt of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Prior to leaving the contest, Coleman compiled 51 yards on 10 carries and didn't reel in his sole target. With Devonta Freeman (groin) and Ito Smith (knee) on injured reserve and Jeremy Langford a healthy scratch, Brian Hill is the last man standing in the Falcons backfield.

Joined by Brian Hill in backfield

With Ito Smith (knee) placed on injured reserve, Brian Hill is expected to serve as Coleman's new complement in the Atlanta backfield, Orlando D. Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Analysis: The situation presumably would leave more work for Coleman if his team was still in the playoff hunt, but it may just open up snaps for Hill over the final two weeks of a disappointing season. Smith actually held a 33-29 touch advantage over Coleman the last three weeks, though it may have gone unnoticed Sunday when the latter turned his 11 carries into 145 yards and a touchdown during a 40-14 win over the Cardinals. The situation may be complicated because Coleman is set to become an…read more

Gashes Cardinals in blowout

Coleman ran for 145 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries during Sunday's 40-14 win over Arizona.

Analysis: Coleman and rookie Ito Smith are still splitting carries, but Coleman made a lot more of his Sunday. The Indiana product took a pitch 65 yards late in the first quarter, narrowly missing a touchdown before being caught by the Cardinal defense. He didn't let that happen in the third quarter, churning through arm tackles for a 43-yard score. It's been a rough past few weeks for Coleman, who has been plagued by ineffectiveness as Smith takes on a larger role. Sunday marked his first time clearing…read more

Continues splitting carries

Colemand rushed 10 times for 45 yards and caught his lone target for minus-four yards in Sunday's loss at Green Bay.

Analysis: It's was a relatively solid outing for Coleman -- though still well below his expected value -- as he rebounded after totaling 14 carries for 14 yards in the previous two games. However, Ito Smith continues to be more involved in the offense, logging 11 carries for 60 yards and three receptions for 14 yards Sunday. The Falcons fell behind 34-7 in the third quarter, making it difficult to utilize a run game in the second half. Sunday's outing is a marginal step in the right direction for…read more

Losing work to rookie

Coach Dan Quinn said it wasn't by design for Ito Smith to get more carries than Coleman in Sunday's 26-16 loss to Baltimore, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: The rookie had seven carries for 22 yards and one catch for no gain, while Coleman took six carries for eight yards and caught one pass for three more yards. Smith hasn't made much of a case for himself with a mark of 3.2 yards per carry, but it wouldn't be crazy to give him more opportunities down the stretch of a lost season. Coleman is sitting at 4.0 YPC after back-to-back dud performances in tough matchups, with his value heading the wrong way in a contract season. He does get a rebound…read more

Continues to struggle

Coleman rushed for eight yards on six carries and added a three-yard catch during Sunday's 26-16 loss to Baltimore. He fumbled during the contest, but the offense maintained possession.

Analysis: Atlanta is free-falling now with four consecutive losses. Coleman has struggled to spark his team during that span, as the Falcons have failed to score 20 points in any of the last four games. During this stretch, Coleman's averaging just 3.5 yards per carry, compared to the 4.2 yards per tote he entered that stretch with. Moreover, Coleman is scoring once every 43 touches in that four-game sample, as compared to once every 19 touches through the season's first eight games. Week 14 brings a…read more

Bottled up by Saints defense

Coleman managed just six yards on eight carries, adding three catches for 17 yards and a touchdown during Thursday's 31-17 loss to New Orleans.

Analysis: A touchdown reception salvaged Coleman's night against the Saints, but he transitioned out of the game script with Atlanta falling into a two-touchdown first-half deficit in what was already a wildly inefficient showing on the ground (fewer than one yard per carry). Production as a pass catcher has made the fourth-year back a high-floor RB2 option of late, with 3.5 catches and 32.8 receiving yards per game since Week 9 after putting up just 2.1 catches and 19.6 yards per game prior. There have…read more

Totals 85 scrimmage yards

Coleman carried eight times for 58 yards and caught three passes for an additional 27 yards during Sunday's 22-19 loss to the Cowboys.

Analysis: Coleman gashed Dallas for 7.3 yards per carry, but his team neglected the running game while playing from behind for much of the day. He also made a nice contribution as a pass catcher and could have had a much bigger game if he was utilized more in that regard. Coleman has averaged 101.3 scrimmage yards per game over the last three, despite seeing less than a full workload out of the backfield. He'll hope to be more involved in what should be a high-scoring Week 12 Thanksgiving showdown with…read more

Quiet in Week 10 loss

Coleman rushed 11 times for 44 yards and caught three of five targets for 19 yards in Sunday's 28-16 loss to Cleveland.

Analysis: Atlanta abandoned the run after falling behind, and Coleman failed to make much of an impact as a receiver out of the backfield. His prominent role in a high-powered offense gives Coleman plenty of fantasy appeal, but this performance showed that he's outside the set-it-and-forget-it-tier of running backs. Coleman will hope to bounce back against the Cowboys in Week 11.

Hopes to stay in Atlanta

Coleman said after practice Wednesday that he hopes to remain in Atlanta beyond this season, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Playing on the final year of his rookie deal this season, Coleman recognizes that 2018 could be his last hurrah with the team that selected him in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. The Falcons don't have much in the way of payroll flexibility in 2019 and beyond, meaning it may not be feasible to fit another well-paid back on the roster with Devonta Freeman (groin) owed $24.8 million in base salary between 2019 and 2022. So long as he keeps producing like he did in Week 9 against Washington…read more

Grabs two receiving touchdowns

Coleman rushed for 88 yards on 13 carries and added 68 yards an two touchdowns on five catches during Sunday's 38-14 win over Washington.

Analysis: Coleman sprinted out into the flat early in the third quarter and was found wide open by Matt Ryan for a 10-yard touchdown, his second of the game. Despite double-digit touches in all but one game this season, Coleman started the season with just two scores in his first five games of the season but has struck four times in the past three games, scoring at least once in every game. Atlanta will need him next Sunday against a Browns defense that is stronger against the pass than the run.

Scores in Monday's victory

Coleman rushed 11 times for 50 yards and a touchdown and caught both his targets for 32 receiving yards in Monday night's 23-20 win over the Giants.

Analysis: Coleman was mostly bottled up on the ground prior to breaking free for a 30-yard rushing score midway through the fourth quarter. That play marked Coleman's first touchdown carry since Week 1 and helped him put together his first game of over 4.0 yards per carry since Week 2. With a couple catches as well, Coleman outperformed backup Ito Smith, who finished with seven carries for 16 yards and two catches for 29 more. That should ensure Coleman retains Atlanta's starting tailback gig when the…read more

Will lead backfield moving forward

Coleman will lead the Falcons backfield moving forward after Devonta Freeman (groin/foot) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday.

Analysis: Freeman has been absent in four of the Falcons' six games this season with an assortment of injuries. In those contests, Coleman only had to contend with rookie Ito Smith for touches but hasn't been effective, aside from a 107-yard effort on the ground Week 2. For the season, Coleman has averaged 3.7 YPC on his 71 rushes, hauled in 13 of 16 passes, and totaled three touchdowns. While volume shouldn't be a problem for Coleman, what he's done with it to date mostly has been underwhelming.

Another underwhelming performance in Week 6

Coleman compiled 35 rushing yards on 10 carries, adding a six-yard touchdown catch during Sunday's 34-29 win against Tampa Bay.

Analysis: Coleman hasn't exactly taken the bull by the horns with Devonta Freeman (groin/ foot) inactive for four of Atlanta's six games this season. Since breaking 100 yards against Carolina in Week 2 (his first start of the year), Coleman has averaged a meager 2.9 yards per carry with zero rushing scores. Some value has been salvaged in the passing game -- with Coleman accounting for two receiving touchdowns in the Falcons' past four games -- but it's rookie Ito Smith who keeps vulturing the rushing…read more

Set for another start

Coleman is set to start Sunday's game against Tampa Bay, ESPN.com's Vaughn McClure reports.

Analysis: Devonta Freeman (foot/groin) has been ruled out for a fourth time in six games, giving Coleman at least one more opportunity to strut his stuff in the starting job. He's yet to take advantage in the way many had expected, but Coleman did at least average 18 touches in the three previous games Freeman missed. The Bucs have held running backs to 3.7 yards per carry, but they've also given up six touchdowns and 604 scrimmage yards in four games, with 54 percent of the yardage coming on receptions.

Bottled up by Steelers

Coleman rushed for 15 yards on seven carries, adding two receptions for 15 yards as the Falcons fell 41-17 to the Steelers on Sunday.

Analysis: Coleman has averaged 2.75 yards per carry over Atlanta's past three games, two of which came against defenses that entered Week 5 as bottom-10 teams in terms of rushing yards allowed per game (Pittsburgh and Cincinnati). Outside of a 107-yard performance against the Panthers in Week 2, the 25-year-old back has been contained to 29.5 rushing yards per game in his four other outings this season. Week 6 brings a challenging matchup for Coleman and the Falcons' stable of running backs, as they'll…read more

Turns in full practice Thursday

Coleman (shin) was a full participant at Thursday's practice, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Coleman made a surprise appearance on Wednesday's injury report as limited due to a shin issue, but clearly it was minor enough to allow him to upgrade to full participation Thursday. Fellow running back Devonta Freeman (knee) is poised to make his first appearance since Week 1 after doing the same, so it appears as if the Falcons' backfield will be back to its usual alignment for Sunday's game in Pittsburgh. Coleman was somewhat disappointing during Freeman's three-game absence, averaging 83…read more

Listed on report with shin injury

Coleman was limited in practice Wednesday due to a shin injury, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: On the same day coach Dan Quinn gave Devonta Freeman (knee) a vote of confidence regarding a return to action, Coleman popped up on the Falcons' injury report. Both running backs received limited workloads Wednesday, calling into question how the snaps at the position may break down Sunday at Pittsburgh. No matter how the pair proceeds this week, Coleman seems poised to experience a reduction in the 18 touches per contest he averaged during Freeman's three-game absence.

Held in check Sunday

Coleman was contained to 51 yards on 14 carries, but added three receptions for 26 yards during a 37-36 loss to the Bengals.

Analysis: Through his first four career games as the Falcons' No. 1 back in place of Devonta Freeman (knee), Coleman averaged 89.3 rushing yards per contest. Over his last two outings as the lead man against New Orleans and Cincinnati, he's averaged an anemic 42 yards per game as Atlanta has dropped to 1-3 to start the 2018 campaign. Freeman may be back for Week 5 after practicing on a limited basis last Thursday and Friday, but if Coleman is handed the ball as the feature back again, it will come…read more

Primed for lead role again

With Devonta Freeman (knee) officially ruled out, Coleman will once again lead the Atlanta backfield in Sunday's game against the Bengals, D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Analysis: Coleman shredded the Panthers for 107 yards on 16 carries and 18 yards on four catches during the first week of Freeman's absence, but then managed just 47 yards on 17 touches against the Saints on Sunday. Even with Ito Smith also mixing into the offense, Coleman is one of the league's safer bets to reach 15-plus touches this week.

Contained in loss to Saints

Coleman rushed for 33 yards on 15 carries, adding two catches for 14 yards and a receiving touchdown as the Falcons lost to the Saints 43-37 on Sunday.

Analysis: Coleman has historically performed very well in games with Devonta Freeman out of the lineup, as he averaged 4.9 yards per carry in four such appearances coming into Sunday's game. However, the Saints' rush defense clamped down, holding Coleman to just 2.2 yards per carry while containing Atlanta to 48 rushing yards as a team. It remains to be seen if Devonta Freeman (knee) will be healthy enough to return to the lineup in Week 4 against Cincinnati, but if not, Coleman will be receiving the…read more

Primed for another start

Coleman's backfield mate Devonta Freeman (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Saints, William McFadden of the Falcons' official website reports.

Analysis: Coleman took advantage of Freeman's absence in last week's 31-24 win over Carolina, gaining 107 yards on 16 carries and 18 yards on four receptions while handling a 64 percent snap share. Ito Smith also figures to get some Week 3 touches, but Coleman will do the heavy lifting.

Totals 125 scrimmage yards versus Panthers

Coleman carried 16 times for 107 yards and added 18 yards while catching all four of his targets during Sunday's 31-24 win over the Panthers.

Analysis: In the absence of Devonta Freeman (knee), Coleman received twice as many touches as he did in Week 1, responding with his highest scrimmage-yard total since last October. He averaged an excellent 6.7 yards per carry thanks in part to a long gain of 36 yards, and tied for fourth on the team in targets even though he didn't make a huge impact through the air. Coleman should continue to carry the load for the time being, with Freeman expected to miss up to four additional weeks while he recovers.…read more

Will get starting nod Sunday

Coleman will step in as the Falcons' lead back and Ito Smith as the No. 2 option with Devonta Freeman (knee) inactive for Sunday's game against Carolina, Kelsey Conway of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: Coleman has been remarkably productive in three career games with Devonta Freeman out of the lineup, picking up 250 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 57 carries. He was the second-highest scoring Falcon last week in PPR scoring formats despite collecting just 10 offensive touches -- finishing the night with a respectable 11.5 fantasy points while scoring Atlanta's lone touchdown against the Eagles. The 25-year-old back has his work cut out for him against Carolina's talented front seven,…read more

Could handle lead role Week 2

The Falcons are preparing for Sunday's game against the Panthers as though Coleman will serve as the team's lead back, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. "We highly regard [Coleman]," head coach Dan Quinn said. "We've been down this road before, if it gets to that where [Devonta Freeman can't play], Tevin can certainly handle [the load]."

Analysis: For much of the past three seasons, the top backfield duties have fallen to Freeman, but he's no lock to suit up Week 2 after missing his second straight practice Thursday due to a sore knee. Even if Freeman is cleared to suit up come Sunday, the Falcons would likely monitor his usage carefully, potentially paving the way for Coleman to pick up the bulk of the snaps out of the backfield. Coleman previously handled the lead role while Freeman missed two games with a concussion last November,…read more

Tallies Atlanta's lone touchdown

Coleman rushed for 19 yards and a touchdown on nine attempts, adding one reception for 26 yards during the Falcons' 18-12 loss to Philadelphia on Thursday.

Analysis: Coleman carried his impressive preseason form into Week 1 against the Eagles, as he joined Jay Ajayi and Julio Jones as the only players to break double-digits in standard scoring formats. If Devonta Freeman (knee) is indeed active for Atlanta's Week 2 matchup against Carolina, he is likely to have a tempered pitch count in an attempt to keep him healthy down the stretch of the regular season, meaning that Coleman could be in line for upwards of 20 touches against a Panthers defense that…read more

Sharp again in preseason game

Coleman compiled 38 yards on seven rush attempts, adding one reception for 10 yards in a 17-6 loss to Jacksonville on Saturday.

Analysis: Granted, 22 of Coleman's 38 rushing yards came from a single carry, but the 25-year-old back looked explosive once again with Devonta Freeman out of the lineup. Since being contained to eight yards on three attempts in the preseason opener versus the Jets, Coleman has picked up 6.1 yards per carry over the past two contests against the Chiefs and Jaguars (73 yards on 12 carries). Sure to be one of the most coveted free-agent targets once his contract expires after the season, Coleman is off to…read more

Electrifying in brief appearance

Coleman collected 35 yards on five carries during Friday's preseason game against the Chiefs.

Analysis: The scatback displayed impressive burst with a limited workload, slicing through the Kansas City defense for back-to-back 15-yard runs on the Falcons' first offensive possession of the ballgame. Coleman picked up his second consecutive start as Devonta Freeman was held out following his injury-riddled 2017 campaign. With Coleman entering the final year of his rookie contract, it will be intriguing to see if Atlanta elects to "run him into the ground" so to speak, or if the coaching staff…read more

Bottled up by Gang Green defense

Coleman rushed for eight yards on three attempts in a 17-0 loss to the Jets on Friday night.

Analysis: Coleman got the starting nod at running back for the inactive Devonta Freeman (healthy scratch), taking the field for one drive with Matt Ryan and the first-team offense. There was little room to run for the 25-year-old scatback in his brief appearance, as he was contained to a one-yard gain on his first touch of the season (a toss right that was blown up by Nathan Shepherd). His longest run of the night came from a six-yard scamper a few plays later on a draw, when the Falcons were facing a…read more

Coleman may have heightened involvement in the Falcons offense during the upcoming season, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. "They want to use me more," Coleman said at OTAs on Wednesday, "Line me up out wide and stuff like that. It's going to be pretty cool."

Analysis: As the Falcons continue to add wrinkles to their offensive game plan in OTAs, Coleman is garnering consideration for increased playing time moving forward. Asides from his 13 rushing touchdowns over the past two seasons, the 25-year-old running back has also made notable contributions as a pass catcher, hauling in 58 receptions with six touchdowns since 2016. Head coach Dan Quinn provided an endorsement Wednesday that further indicates a more integral role for Coleman, saying that he made "a…read more

Coleman and the Falcons may discuss a long-term contract, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: After the Falcons signed Devonta Freeman to a five-year, $41.25 million extension in August, there was speculation Coleman would be available for trade in the 2018 offseason or else would be one of the major prizes in 2019 free agency. Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff isn't ready to write off Coleman's long-term future with the organization, recently saying he can envision a scenario in which both running backs are handsomely paid. It still seems likely that Coleman could find a larger…read more

Coleman rushed for 79 yards on 10 carries and added a 14-yard catch during Saturday's 15-10 loss to Philadelphia.

Analysis: With Philly stuffing teammate Devonta Freeman for much of the game, Coleman stepped up, gashing the Eagles for four runs of at least 10 yards, including a 10-yard burst that set Atlanta up inside the Eagles' 10-yard line with a minute left. Coleman had a nice season for Atlanta, helping fill in while Freeman was out with a concussion and setting career highs in touches and rushing yards. It'll be interesting to see how he develops in what will be a contract year in 2018.

Coleman rushed for 40 yards on 14 carries and added 28 yards on three catches during Saturday's 26-13 win over the Rams.

Analysis: Coleman finished Saturday with just two fewer touches, 19 to 17, than Devonta Freeman as the Falcons went to the ground in an effort to keep the Rams' potent pass rush at bay. Coleman didn't make any wow plays, but his 68 yards marked a high in the five games since Freeman returned from injury, having entered Saturday averaging just 42.5 yards per game since Freeman's return. The 17 touches also represent a high during that span. It's hard to see Coleman having much of an opportunity to improve…read more

Cleared to face Saints

Coleman (concussion) doesn't have a designation on the final injury report for Sunday's game in New Orleans.

Analysis: Coleman was a limited practice participant Wednesday and a full participant Thursday and Friday, leaving no doubt about his status for Week 16. He'll return to a complementary role behind Devonta Freeman, who took advantage of Coleman's one-game absence with 27 touches for 194 yards and a touchdown in Monday's 24-21 win over the Buccaneers. Coleman cleared the final hurdle in the concussion protocol Thursday.

Returns to full capacity Thursday

Coleman (concussion) was a full practice participant Thursday, Kelsey Conway of the Falcons' official site reports.

Analysis: Just hours after gaining clearance from an independent neurologist, Coleman practiced with limitations for the first time since Dec. 6, putting an end to his two-week journey through the concussion protocol. As a result, the Falcons backfield will be fully operational Sunday at New Orleans, whose defense has surrendered nearly 135 yards from scrimmage per game and 11 touchdowns to running backs this season.

Removed from concussion protocol

Falcons head coach Dan Quinn said Thursday that Coleman has cleared the concussion protocol, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reports.

Analysis: Coleman was held out of Monday's 24-21 win over the Buccaneers with the head injury, but after practicing on a limited basis Wednesday without any complications and gaining clearance from an independent neurologist thereafter, the running back doesn't look to be in any danger of missing the Falcons' final two games of the regular season. His health will be validated by a return to full practice Thursday, though the possibility exists that the Falcons will limit Coleman's workload again as a…read more

Returning as limited participant

Coleman (concussion) will be a limited participant at Wednesday's practice, Kelsey Conway of the Falcons' official site reports.

Analysis: The activity marks Coleman's first since sustaining a concussion Week 14 against the Saints, but it comes with a caveat: no contact. While Coleman will likely be contained to individual drills, any progress made through the concussion protocol is notable. No matter, in order to take the field Sunday -- again versus New Orleans -- he must gain clearance from an independent neurologist.

Out Monday

Coleman (concussion) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Buccaneers, Falcons Radio Network producer Wendy Adams reports.

Analysis: Coleman sustained the injury last week in a 20-17 victory over the Saints. He was unable to receive clearance for practice throughout the week, and will ultimately watch Week 15 from the sidelines. As a result, Devonta Freeman will presumably take on a larger workload than usual, while Terron Ward figures to serve as the No. 2 back.

Misses another practice

Coleman (concussion) isn't practicing Friday, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Analysis: Coleman suffered the injury in last Thursday's 20-17 win over the Saints and hasn't practiced in any capacity since. He'll get one last chance to participate Saturday, with another absence likely making him a long shot for Monday's game in Tampa Bay. Devonta Freeman would then take on a larger workload, with Terron Ward serving as the No. 2 back. Other than the official injury report, the Falcons haven't provided any hints about whether or not they expect Coleman to play.

Remains in protocol

Coleman remains in the NFL's concussion protocol and was a non-participant in Thursday's practice, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Coleman's failure to practice indicates that he hasn't reached the latter stages of the protocol, a somewhat troubling development given that he suffered the injury in the Falcons' Dec. 7 win over the Saints and has yet to make much notable progress. The Falcons will see if Coleman's symptoms subside enough for him to take part in practices Friday or Saturday, but his chances of suiting up Monday against the Buccaneers are looking dicey at the moment. If Coleman misses another contest, lead…read more

Still in concussion protocol

Head coach Dan Quinn said Tuesday that Coleman is still in concussion protocol, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Analysis: Five days after Coleman suffered the injury in Thursday's win over the Saints, the running back is still dealing with concussion-like symptoms. With Atlanta not scheduled to play again until Monday night in Tampa Bay, Coleman still has plenty of time to be medically cleared, but his status for the week is still in question until that time comes.

Enters NFL's concussion protocol

Falcons head coach Dan Quinn confirmed Friday that Coleman suffered a concussion in Thursday's 20-17 win over the Saints and has entered the NFL's protocol for head injuries, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Analysis: Coleman exited in the second half with the concussion, finishing with 32 yards on nine carries. With the Falcons having 10 full days off before their next game Dec. 18 against the Buccaneers, Coleman has a fair chance to clear the protocol by that point. Expect the Falcons to provide an update on the running back's condition when the team resumes practicing next week.

Being evaluated for concussion

Coleman is being evaluated for a concussion, William McFadden of the Falcons' official site reports.

Analysis: Coleman had nine carries for 32 yards before exiting Thursday's contest, while his backfield mate Devonta Freeman logged 24 carries for 91 yards and a touchdown. Coleman has seen his role significantly reduced since Freeman has come back from a concussion, as he has become more of a supplementary option in the Falcons offense. The third-year back out of Indiana will have 10 days to clear the concussion protocol before Atlanta takes on the Buccaneers in Week 15.

Coleman carried eight times for 22 yards and caught three of six targets for an additional 27 yards during Sunday's 14-9 loss to the Vikings.

Analysis: Coleman averaged a paltry 2.8 yards per carry in this one and only achieved some success as a pass catcher, leading the team in targets and receptions. His workload was roughly half of that which he received during Devonta Freeman's concussion absence, with the latter returning to action to head the backfield Sunday. Coleman has still managed to produce, despite the timeshare with Freeman this season, and will look to get back on track Thursday against the Saints.

Likely to settle back into backup role

Coleman is expected to serve in a backup role at running back Sunday against the Vikings with regular starter Devonta Freeman having cleared the NFL's concussion protocol, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Freeman was removed early in the Falcons' Nov. 12 win over the Cowboys after sustaining the concussion, paving the way for Coleman to act as the team's lead back for much of the last three games. Atlanta didn't miss a beat with Coleman heading the running attack, as the former Indiana standout amassed 223 yards and four scores on 59 carries while adding 20 yards through the air. Even before Freeman suffered the head injury, Coleman had a sizable role in the team's offensive game plan, averaging…read more

Coleman rushed 19 times for 97 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 34-20 win over the Buccaneers.

Analysis: Coleman assumed lead-back duties for the second straight week with Devonta Freeman (concussion) still sidelined, and he found the Buccaneers' defense a bit more facilitating than a stingy Seahawks unit last Monday night. The third-year back has now scored at least one touchdown in three straight games, and has been impressive on the ground in two of those contests (combined 39 carries for 180 yards and three touchdowns) while seeing extended action. Freeman could well be ready to suit up for a…read more

Set for lead role again

Coleman's teammate Devonta Freeman (concussion) will miss another game Sunday against the Buccaneers, William McFadden of the team's official website reports.

Analysis: Coleman set career-high marks for touches (21) and snap share (68 percent) when Freeman was knocked out early in a Week 10 win over the Cowboys. Oddly enough, Coleman duplicated both of those marks in last week's 34-31 over the Seahawks, though he needed a touchdown to salvage his stat line against a tough defense that held him to 58 yards (2.2 per carry, 2.8 per touch). He could be in for a similar Week 12 workload, this time facing a Tampa defense that's mediocre against the run and sub-par…read more

Coleman rushed 20 times for 43 yards and a touchdown in Monday night's 34-31 win over the Seahawks. He also caught one of two targets for 15 yards.

Analysis: Coleman got off to a solid start, punching in a one-yard touchdown on Atlanta's opening drive, but he found little room to run overall. While that's no surprise against a rugged Seattle defense, Coleman has now scored in three straight games, and had another touchdown overturned in the fourth quarter Monday. After enjoying a nice uptick in fantasy value recently, Coleman's Week 12 stock figures to be impacted by teammate Devonta Freeman's (concussion) status to face the Buccaneers.

Head coach Dan Quinn said that Coleman would be a capable lead back for the Falcons if Devonta Freeman (concussion) is forced to miss Monday's game against the Seahawks, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports. "It's the explosive plays that Tev is able to create, and it's the 3-yard run and all of a sudden it turns into a 25-yard run," Quinn said. "It's the explosiveness, it's the speed that he has when he can get on the edge or get to the second level. Those are the ones when he gets to the next level, you're watching and you're like, 'OK, it's about to go.'"

Analysis: Since entering the league in 2015, Coleman has averaged no worse than 4.4 yards per carry in any season and has developed into a viable pass-catching threat out of the backfield over the past season and change, tallying 48 receptions in 22 contests. Despite Coleman's strong per-play production, the presence of a two-time Pro Bowler in the same backfield has limited his volume more often than not, which has regularly made it difficult to depend on the 24-year-old from week to week in most…read more

Coleman rushed 20 times for 83 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 27-7 win over the Cowboys. He also hauled in his lone target for five yards.

Analysis: With Devonta Freeman concussed on the Falcons' second play of the day, Coleman took over and would punch in his touchdown from the 1-yard line in the second quarter. He then tallied 61 of his rush yards in the second half to help put the game away. If Freeman is forced to miss time, Coleman will continue to get the bulk of the carries for the Falcons, although he faces a stiff test in Seattle in Week 11.