NFL PLAYER NEWS

Reports: Falcons RB Freeman headed to IR

The Sports Xchange

October 16, 2018 at 2:46 pm.

Oct 7, 2018; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;  Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) rushes the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 7, 2018; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) rushes the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman will be placed on injured reserve Tuesday, multiple media outlets reported.

FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer first reported the expected move for Freeman, while NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport noted that the 26-year-old running back will have surgery on his groin.

The proposed move will keep Freeman out at least the next eight games.

Freeman missed three games earlier this season with a knee injury. The two-time Pro Bowl selection is now nursing foot and groin injuries for the Falcons (2-4), who are expected to announce a roster move later in the day.

Versatile Tevin Coleman and fourth-round rookie Ito Smith will handle the running back duties in the absence of Freeman, who will join safety Ricardo Allen, linebacker Deion Jones, guard Andy Levitre and safety Keanu Neal as starters who have gone on injured reserve since the start of the season.

Freeman rushed 14 times for 68 yards and had five receptions for 23 yards in three games this season.

Signed to a six-year, $43 million deal in 2017, Freeman has rushed for 3,321 yards and 30 touchdowns in his career. The 5-foot-8, 206-pounder also has 198 receptions for 1,605 yards and seven scores through the air since being selected by the Falcons in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

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