The Falcons were never playing with a full deck in the 2018 season. When Keanu Neal limped off the field Week 1 against the Eagles, it was a sign of more bad things to come. Significant injuries took Neal out for the rest of the year, as well as several other important players on Atlanta’s roster.
This offseason, the Falcons have been dedicated to rebuilding their offensive line. In theory that will help improve their 7-9 record, but the one thing that will help more than anything else is staying healthy. Over the weekend, coach Dan Quinn gave some injury updates on a few players.
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Quinn says running back Devonta Freeman should be a full go for training camp in mid July. Freeman played just two games last season as he dealt with a number of injuries. Atlanta’s run game suffered greatly without him. In the end, the Falcons finished No. 27 in the league in rushing yards.
If Freeman can play a full season, it should be a huge boost for the rushing attack. If he misses significant time again, he could be replaced by Ito Smith or Qadree Ollison as the No. 1 back as soon as 2020.
Quinn also told the AJC that Neal and Ricardo Allen are on target to return for training camp as well.
Neal tore his ACL Week 1 and did not play again last season. Allen suffered a torn Achilles two weeks later in an overtime loss to the Saints. Without them on the field, Atlanta’s defense became a shell of its former self. The Falcons went from being ranked No. 8 in scoring defense in 2017 to just No. 25 last year.
With Damontae Kazee moving over to nickel corner, the main backups at safety this year are expected to be J.J. Wilcox and Sharrod Neasman.
