Fantasy Football: Devonta Freeman to IR. What’s the fantasy impact?

With Devonta Freeman placed on IR, Rizzla takes a brief look at the fantasy context and what this news means for the other Falcons skill players.

Atlanta Falcons star running back Devonta Freeman has been placed on IR with a groin injury. He is set to undergo surgery as per ESPN’s Vaughn Mcclure and has been placed on the designated to return injured reserve list.

The Atlanta Falcons do have other exciting options in the backfield such as Tevin Coleman and Ito Smith. Both of these backs have had varying success so far this season with Ito Smith looking like the more efficient back so far.

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Fantasy Context:

This news locks Tevin Coleman in as an RB2 for as long as Devonta Freeman is on the shelf. It is true that Ito Smith is pushing him for carries but Coleman remains the unquestioned starter for the Atlanta Falcons.

Coleman has always been an exciting talent who performed well whenever Devonta Freeman missed time with an injury and should continue to sprinkle in some big games going forward.

Tevin Coleman has disappointed as the starter so far this season but remains the superior backfield option despite his struggles through week six. Coleman will remain a matchup based DFS play.

Ito Smith has been a godsend for the Atlanta Falcons as he has continued to look solid while Tevin Coleman has struggled on the ground. Smith now has a touchdown in three straight games setting a new Atlanta Falcons rookie record.

Per playerprofiler.com Ito Smith  is among the most utilized running backs in the red zone currently placing eleventh with 16 red zone touches. Smith has parlayed his high red zone usage to average more fantasy points per opportunity than Tevin Coleman with a 1.04 mark versus Coleman’s 0.78.

While there is no reason to believe Coleman will cede the starting role to Smith, Coleman does indeed have an extensive injury history which gives Smith significant fantasy upside. Unlike Coleman, Smith is available in 91 percent of yahoo leagues and is a solid add in deeper leagues.

This news did not change things for any other of the Atlanta Falcons skill players as Devonta Freeman has been sidelined for half the season already.