Freeman out against Colts with concussion

Atlanta has lost three of its last four after a 5-0 start.

Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman has a concussion and will not return to Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts. We’ll do things, just like we do with everybody, to try to feature their strengths and try to highlight their strengths. Quarterback Matt Ryan has been erratic (12 touchdowns, seven interceptions), but is capable of exploiting the Colts’ suspect secondary if the Falcons are able to establish Freeman as a threat. DiMarco tilted fantasy owners by scoring a pair of wide-open red-zone touchdowns early in the game.

“It’s a great opportunity”, Freeman said. Pagano said “it’s all hands on deck” in dealing with Adams’ absence, but Colt Anderson is the likely replacement in the starting lineup.

This Sunday, of course, the Colts will be without Andrew Luck, who will travel with the team but who is still dealing with a lacerated kidney and torn abdominal muscle that will keep him out for an extended period of time. Unfortunately for them, they have been overshadowed by the Panthers in the division. Because of the injury, Matt Hasselbeck will get the start. Freeman then headed to the locker room to be evaluated. Last week, the Colts got their bye week, but the week before they lost Andrew Luck for multiple weeks in a win over the Denver Broncos. “I can’t wait for this challenge”.

WHERE’S RODDY: Atlanta spent the last two weeks looking for ways to spark the offense.

In his first three seasons with the Broncos, Brock Osweiler threw a total of 30 passes. The Colts have also been limiting the playing time of their older signings in an effort to preserve them for later in the season.

“I know my limitations”, he said this week. When Hasselbeck does go to the air, the Colts pass catchers need to help the veteran out with yards after catch and consistently winning their one-on-one matchups.

Indianapolis holds the tiebreaker over the 4-5 Houston Texans in the AFC South, with the upstart 4-6 Jacksonville Jaguars only half a game back after beating Tennessee at home on Thursday Night Football in solid gold uniforms. The 28 carries (for 83 yards) against Denver were his most since 2011. The Colts defensive line depth was tested before the start of the season with the loss of Arthur Jones.

IN THE TRENCHES: While Luck can provide helpful input, Hasselbeck really needs the guys up front.