Freeman (concussion) will take part in individual drills at practice Monday, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Freeman has been sidelined the past two exhibitions due to a concussion and is expected to miss a third Thursday against the Jaguars. On a positive note, Monday's return may have been forecast Saturday, when he was seen helping his fellow running backs get ready for the contest. A return to practice will be another step in the right direction, but hurdles must still be cleared in his recovery effort. Nevertheless, two weeks remain before the regular-season opener in Chicago, so ample time remains to navigate through the concussion protocol.

Freeman (concussion), who has already been ruled out for Saturday's preseason game against the Cardinals, will likely miss the Falcons' final preseason tilt versus the Jaguars next week as he remains subject to the league's concussion protocol, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Freeman can't afford to suffer any setbacks prior to Week 1 upon his eventual return from the league's concussion protocol, so the Falcons will likely play it safe and keep him sidelined for their preseason finale regardless of whether or not he's cleared by then. In the meantime, Tevin Coleman and Terron Ward figure to assume reps with the first team while Brian Hill, Kelvin Taylor and Jhurell Pressley provide depth.

Freeman (concussion) has been ruled out for Saturday's preseason game against the Cardinals, D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

EDGE Analysis

Freeman is back to running full speed as he approaches the end of the league's concussion protocol, but he remained unable to participate in practice throughout the week leading up to the Falcons' third preseason contest. He's slated to receive clearance sooner rather than later, so he could be available for the team's preseason finale Aug. 31 if the coaching staff elects to potentially risk his health prior to Week 1. Until then, Tevin Coleman and Terron Ward are in line to see increased workloads with the first team.

Head coach Dan Quinn said Tuesday that Freeman is approaching the end of the concussion protocol but still won't practice this week, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Without practice reps under his belt, Freeman is unlikely to see the field during Saturday's exhibition against the Cardinals after spending at least a week in the protocol. Even if he gets no more game reps before the regular season, he's expected to serve as the No. 1 running back in what was the highest-scoring offense in 2016. Meanwhile, Tevin Coleman and Terron Ward will comprise the top-2 backs.

Freeman's (concussion) status in advance of Saturday's preseason game against the Cardinals remains unclear, ESPN's Vaughn mcClure reports.

EDGE Analysis

Freeman did not travel with the Falcons for this past Sunday's preseason game in Pittsburgh, as he remained in the NFL's concussion protocol. As for his outlook for a return to the field this week, coach Dan Quinn isn't yet sure how close that reality is for Freeman. As long as the team's top running back is sidelined, Tevin Coleman is the top option in the Atlanta backfield, while Terron Ward and fifth-rounder Brian Hill are still battling for the No. 3 RB slot.

Head coach Dan Quinn said Sunday that Freeman is still in the concussion protocol, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lingering concussion symptoms throw Freeman's ability to practice this week up in the air. Fortunately, the Falcons don't play a meaningful game for three weeks, so he has plenty of time to recover. In the interim, the offense has continued to feature two running backs (Tevin Coleman and Terron Ward) with the starting unit. As a result, Coleman cannot be considered a bell-cow back during Freeman's absence.

Head coach Dan Quinn said Wednesday that he hopes Freeman will emerge from the concussion protocol by the end of the week, Kelsey Conway of the Falcons' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Freeman kicked off the preseason slate with a 15-yard touchdown reception last Thursday in Miami, but during Sunday's practice, he suffered a concussion. Although the running back was held out of practice again Wednesday, Quinn is of the belief that Freeman's head injury won't be "a long-term issue," according to Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com. No matter, Freeman has already been ruled out of Sunday's exhibition in Pittsburgh, paving the way for Tevin Coleman and Terron Ward to lead the backfield.

Freeman missed Monday's practice while in concussion protocol and will not play in Sunday's preseason game against the Steelers, ESPN's Vaughn McClure reports.

EDGE Analysis

Freeman was forced into an early exit from Sunday's session, which left his absence Monday in need of clarification. At last, coach Dan Quinn revealed his starting running back has been placed in concussion protocol, disabling him from playing until he's cleared. That will understandably preclude Freeman from being considered for Atlanta's second preseason tilt, likely resulting in a starting berth for Tevin Coleman, with Terron Ward working behind him.

Freeman is signing a five-year, $41.25 million extension with the Falcons, Michael Silver of SI.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Freeman's contract will place him first among running backs ($8.25 million) in average annual value until Le'Veon Bell signs his franchise tender for $12.12 million. It's a rich deal for a team that also has Tevin Coleman in the backfield, but the Falcons should be able to make it work for at least two more years, as Coleman will be on his rookie contract through 2018. Freeman is slated for the lead role once again this season, albeit with Coleman taking on more work than the typical No. 2. Given Atlanta's strong offensive line and talent at the other skill positions, Freeman and Coleman shouldn't have too much trouble adjusting to the change from Kyle Shanahan to Steve Sarkisian at offensive coordinator. It helps that both backs are adept in the passing game.

According to general manager Thomas Dimitroff, the Falcons hope to reach agreement with Freeman on a new contract by this Thursday, ESPN's Vaughn McClure reports.

EDGE Analysis

Freeman is currently set to earn $1.79 million this season in the final year of his rookie contract. However, following back-to-back campaigns with at least 1,500 yards from scrimmage and 13 touchdowns, the former fourth-rounder clearly deserves a raise. Falcons management recognizes that it's time to reward Freeman, and in order to avoid a distraction during training camp, they intend to seal a new deal with Freeman in short order.