Quinn optimistic Freeman will return against Steelers

FLOWERY BRANCH — The Falcons’ offense could receive a boost from the return of running back Devonta Freeman, who has been out with a knee contusion since the season opener Sept. 6 in Philadelphia.

The Falcons (1-3) play Pittsburgh (1-2-1) at 1 p.m. Sunday at Heinz Field. The franchise has never won a regular-season game in Pittsburgh as it is 0-6-1 at the traditional AFC powerhouse.

“Yeah, I think the guys are hopeful to get back Devonta, and I think we’ve got a real shot with (defensive end Derrick) Shelby,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said Monday. “We’ll take a look at those two and see if they can come back into it. Yeah, because of the work Devonta did in practice last week, we’re very hopeful.”

Freeman was very limited in practice last week before he was ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Bengals this past Friday.

The Falcons are averaging 96 yards rushing per game, which ranks 21st in the league.

Tevin Coleman rushed for 107 yards in the win over the Panthers but was held to 33 yards by the Saints and 51 by the Bengals.

The Steelers’ defense is giving up 115.8 rushing yards per game, which ranks 21st in the league.

The Falcons need to run the ball better in order to keep the defense, which is giving up 403 yards per game (28th) and 30.5 points per game (30th), off the field.

In the opener against the Eagles, Freeman had six rushes for 36 yards before taking a helmet to the knee.

Also, defensive tackle Grady Jarrett left the Bengals game with an ankle sprain. He played only 37 snaps. If it is a high ankle sprain, the team’s already depleted defense could be without its best defensive tackle.