FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman remains in the concussion protocol, coach Dan Quinn said, leaving Freeman's status for Sunday's NFC South matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in limbo.
Quinn would not reveal which stage of the protocol Freeman's in at this point.
"Hopefully, we'll get another shift in it this week," Quinn said of Freeman's status.
Freeman was knocked out the Dallas game in the first quarter by Cowboys linebacker Anthony Hitchens on Nov. 12 and then missed Monday night's win over the Seattle Seahawks. Freeman did not travel to Seattle.
A source close to Freeman said the two-time Pro Bowler feels ready to play but won't lobby for a return. He's also considering switching to the VICIS helmet, designed to reduce the impact on the head. This is Freeman's third concussion as a member of the Falcons and second in three months.
Tevin Coleman will be the primary running back until Freeman returns. Coleman started against the Seahawks and managed just 43 rushing yards on 20 carries against a tough defensive front. But Coleman scored a touchdown in a 34-31 win and had another 3-yard score wiped away after a review determined Coleman was short of the end zone.
The Falcons currently rank 14th in the NFL in rushing at 113.7 rushing yards per game. They'll face a Buccaneers defense, led by Gerald McCoy, that ranks 13th against the run in allowing 107.2 yard per game.
In other injury news, Quinn said punter Matt Bosher (left ankle) and backup offensive tackle Ty Sambrailo (ankle) won't practice Wednesday.
