Devonta Freeman likely out vs. Seahawks with concussion

The Atlanta Falcons got a much-needed win on Sunday, but they’ll probably have to do without Devonta Freeman for at least one game.

The Atlanta Falcons needed to beat the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, and that’s just what they did with decisive 27-7 victory. But running back Devonta Freeman left the game very early with a concussion, and he’s expected to miss Week 11 against the Seattle Seahawks.

Freeman also suffered a concussion during the preseason, but he did not miss any games. He has played in all nine games this season, but shoulder and knee issues have limited his practice participation and he has topped 75 rushing yards just twice all season.

The Falcons played the Carolina Panthers in Week 9, and Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis immediately suggested Freeman’s concussion on Sunday was not a new injury via a since-deleted tweet.

In any case, Freeman is in line to miss an important game next Monday night game against the Seattle Seahawks. But Atlanta’s running game is in good hands, as Tevin Coleman stepped in on Sunday against the Cowboys and produced well (20 carries for 83 yards and a touchdown, one catch for five yards).

Freeman’s fantasy owners have plenty of time to plan their Week 11 lineups without him, and maybe make a waiver wire addition if need be. Coleman is highly unlikely to be available though, as he is 87 percent owned in Yahoo! leagues and 85.7 percent owned in ESPN leagues.

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Being declared out so early in the week is a red flag for Freeman’s status beyond Week 11. He needed 15 days to fully clear the league’s concussion protocol during the preseason. Based solely on that, without knowing just how severe this concussion is by comparison, missing Week 12 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Nov. 26) is firmly in play for Freeman. With how banged up he has been, he probably needs a break anyway.