Falcons have to go without Freeman
The Falcons will be missing another key starter for Sunday’s game against the Panthers.
Two-time Pro Bowl running back Devonta Freeman was ruled out after missing the entire week of practice with a knee injury, another blow to a team that was already reeling from injuries to defensive stalwarts Keanu Neal and Deion Jones.
Coach Dan Quinn said he’s hopeful that Freeman’s injury isn’t too serious. But there was uncertainty in his voice when he spoke after practice Friday afternoon.
“We’re under the hope that it’s not a long-term thing,” Quinn said. “Whenhecan do the violent, explosive cuts that make him him, we’ll get him in there.”
Freeman was injured in the season-opening loss to the Eagles. The starting spot is still in good hands with Tevin Coleman, but Freeman’s injury deprives the Falcons of their 1-2 punch out of the backfield. Rookie Ito Smith, a fourth-round draft pick, moves up on the depth chart.
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger returned under center after missing the previous two practices with a bruised right elbow.
He is officially listed on the injury report as questionable, but Roethlisberger’s teammates expect him to be on the field for the Steelers’ home opener Sunday against the Chiefs.
The 15-year veteran has missed just six games because of injury since the start of the 2013 season.
“We’re never really worried about him,” center Maurkice Pouncey said. “He takes some big hits in the games. If he wants to sit out a couple days, it’s totally fine.”
Two illegal hits cost David Onyemata more than he made for playing in the Saints season opener.
The defensive tackle was fined $40,108 by the NFL for two roughing-the-passer calls — $20,054 for each of the penalties — in a 48-40 loss to the Buccaneers on Sunday.
Onyemata, in his third NFL season, makes a base salary of $630,000 this season — or $39,375 per game.
Onyemata was one of several players fined $20,054 for roughing the passer in the league’s opening weekend, joining the Rams’ Aaron Donald, the Vikings’ Sheldon Richardson, the Falcons’ Grady Jarrett and the Cowboys’ DeMarcus Lawrence.
Titans coach Mike Vrabel said he expects to play both starting QB Marcus Mariota and backup Blaine Gabbert on Sunday against the Texans. ... Dolphins LG Josh Sitton is out for the season with a torn left rotator cuff. The team placed him on injured reserve. ... With Marquise Goodwin being ruled out against the Lions, 49ers rookie WR Dante Pettis gets his first NFL start. ... The Seahawks signed Mychal Kendricks to a one-year deal despite his recent guilty plea on insider trading charges. ... QB Aaron Rodgers is questionable for the Packers’ NFC North showdown with the Vikings. ... Jaguars coach Doug Marrone is optimistic RB Leonard Fournette will play against the Patriots despite missing practice all week.