Falcons RBs Freeman, Coleman may miss another preseason game

Quarterback Matt Ryan threw to Jones for gains of 6 and 26 yards. This is a great opportunity for the Atlanta Falcons receiving corps to flex their muscles against a strong secondary of the New York Jets featuring the greatest negotiator in NFL history shutdown corner Darrelle Revis. RBs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman, both sidelined for last week’s preseason win over Tennessee with hamstring injuries, worked on blitz pickups and took some reps, but Quinn didn’t know if they’ll be ready to play in Friday. They should be back, but when? Later in 10-play, 91-yard drive, Ryan threw a 16-yard pass to Jones for a first down at the Tennessee Titans 14-yard line, and the former Alabama standout capped the drive with 13-yard touchdown reception. This year they are installing the zone blocking scheme, so it’s a bit different.

Freeman and Coleman also did some extra running with the trainer.

Chris Chester and James Stone are the favorites, with center Joe Hawley back after his injury kept him out a year ago. First round draft pick Vic Beasley had an impressive debut and his initial speed and pass rushing abilities were certainly apparent against the Titans. We’ll see more of him this week. The defense scored as well with Paul Worrilow returned a fumble 14 yards for six.

“I was just trying to get some pressure on the quarterback”, Beasley said. The Falcons aren’t sure if they will be ready to play against the Jets.

The Falcons are coming off of their second straight losing season in which they missed the playoffs, and that has led to some drastic changes in Atlanta.

Defensive tackle Ra’Shede Hageman, who suffered a concussion on Tuesday, and safety William Moore, who has a calf strain, are expected to miss the game. He could break out this season. But what about the secondary? Second-round pick Jalen Collins, a cornerback, who is coming off foot surgery that limited his play over the offseason, is struggling in coverage. Defensive back Desmond Trufant, Brooks Reed and Cliff Matthews are now not listed to play Friday due to previous injuries.

The NFC South looks to be the worst division in football, so that gives the Falcons a chance. I’m just going with the team that looked fairly good…

Now that the Falcons are past the first preseason game, Hester says everything has been better defined. Quinn has done what new coaches do – he’s instilled enthusiasm and a new energy that was sorely needed. Only having two starts his NFL career, both with the Washington Redskins, Royster ran for 100+ yards in back-to-back games making him the 2nd leading rusher by the end of his rookie year. Head coach Dan Quinn said it was too early for a prognosis….