Devonta Freeman became the leagues highest-paid running back last week. The Atlanta Falcons granted Freeman a five-year, $41.25 million extension. With big money on the line, health and injuries are of major concern by the Falcons. Coach Dan Quinn has urged Devonta Freeman to sit out this week’s preseason game at Pittsburgh due to concussion symptoms. He left practice on Sunday because of heat-related issues, as stated by AP. Quinn says Freeman has since been placed on concussion protocol. “He may start practicing as we go but we’ll rule him out for now for the game as more of a precautionary note,” Quinn said. “In those situations it’s always better to play it safe and go through the whole protocol with him to make sure he’s at his best,” Quinn said. Quinn said Freeman “has had a great camp” and has been impressive with “the speed that he’s playing with, not just in the run game but in the pass game as well.” Quinn said Freeman “was disappointed he wasn’t able to be out here today, but we’ll get him back out here shortly.” Freeman will probably sit out most of the preseason to remain in proper health for the regular season. Freeman has over 200 catches, rushed over 1,000 yards with 11 touchdowns in back-to-back seasons. He most definitely deserved the contract extension.
