Report: Falcons RB Freeman ruled out vs. Panthers

Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman will miss the team's Week 2 game Sunday against the Carolina Panthers because of a lingering knee injury, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Friday.

Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman will miss the team's Week 2 game Sunday against the Carolina Panthers because of a lingering knee injury, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Friday.

Per the report, head coach Dan Quinn ruled out his starting running back when he has sidelined for practice again Friday after missing practice all week.

Even a few extra days of rest after their Thursday night season opener last week at Philadelphia was not enough time for Freeman to recover from a knee injury he suffered late in the Falcons' opening loss to the Eagles. Quinn says that the team does not believe Freeman's injury is a long-term concern.

Freeman ran six times for 36 yards against the Eagles, adding three receptions for 14 yards.

Backup RB Tevin Coleman will handle the starter's workload when the Falcons host the Panthers on Sunday, with Ito Smith serving as the main backup and Brian Hill to be called up from the practice squad.

In other Falcons injury news, wide receiver Russell Gage (knee) and guard Ben Garland (calf) also were absent at practice throughout the week and are expected to be inactive on Sunday.