Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman takes a handoff from quarterback Matt Ryan as offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter looks on during the team’s voluntary offseason workout Thursday in Flowery Branch, Ga.FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – The highlight of the Atlanta Falcons’ first week of organized team activities this spring has been Devonta Freeman’s return to the field.
“It’s been a long time,” coach Dan Quinn said.
Freeman looked explosive in Thursday’s practice, the first OTA session open to reporters. Having Freeman again flash his dual-threat skills at running back is good news for the Falcons’ hopes of returning to the playoffs.
Knee and groin injuries limited Freeman to only two games last season, when Atlanta missed the postseason for the first time in three years but fourth time in six. The Falcons had a long list of season-ending injuries to starters, including both safeties and both offensive guards, but losing Freeman had perhaps the biggest impact on the team going 7-9 for its first losing record since 2014.
Without Freeman, the Falcons’ ground game was stagnant, ranking only 27th in the NFL. The team’s other top running back from recent seasons, Tevin Coleman, signed with the San Francisco 49ers as a free agent this year, so it was important for the Falcons to see Freeman in his No. 24 red jersey lining up beside Matt Ryan this week.