Devonta Freeman officially ruled out of Falcons-Vikings game

The Falcons did the expected on Friday afternoon and ruled running back Devonta Freeman out for Sunday’s game against the Vikings.

This is obviously bad news for the Falcons, who will now have to rely on the likes of Tevin Coleman and Terron Ward to fill production at the running back position.

Fantasy impact: Though Freeman’s absence from practice doesn’t doom his Week 12 status, fantasy owners can not feel optimistic about his chances of suiting up.

Kicker Matt Bryant will miss the game with a right quadriceps injury. It would be a devastating blow for a struggling Falcons team if Freeman is not in the backfield on Sunday. He has been unable to return in time from the concussion he suffered in last week’s defeat to the Indianapolis Colts. His nine rushing touchdowns lead the league; no other player has more than seven. Head coach Dan Quinn noted Wednesday that Freeman remains in the first phase of the NFL’s concussion protocol, according to Garafolo’s report. Coleman managed only 48 yards on 17 carries.