The Falcons 26-9 victory over their arch-rivals came with a cost. Devonta Freeman left the game with what looked like an ankle injury and never returned. It was eventually ruled a foot sprain, and Ian Rappaport reported this morning that he will have an MRI on it today.
#Falcons RB Devonta Freeman was initially diagnosed with a foot sprain, source said, and he’ll have an MRI today to determine the extent of it. Coming off a dominating win over the rival #Saints, this will be watched closely.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 11, 2019
In his place, Brian Hill shined as Dirk Koetter stuck with the running game. Hill ran the ball 20 times for 61 yards, while also catching a critical touchdown pass in the second half. Given Freeman’s injury history over the past few seasons, along with the Falcons 2-7 record, expect them to be extremely cautious with him going forward.
Later in the game, Austin Hooper exited with a knee injury, and Rappoport also reported that he will have an MRI as well. He is expected to miss some time, but the team believes he avoided something severe.
#Falcons TE Austin Hooper, the NFL’s leader at his position with 56 catches, is getting an MRI on a knee injury suffered Sunday source said. Hooper is expected to miss some time, but the MRI will determine how much. Atlanta could be without Devonta Freeman & Hooper this week.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 11, 2019
Hooper’s having a breakout season, becoming one of the best pass-catching tight ends in football. He leads all tight ends in receptions with 56 through nine games (15 off his career-high) for 608 yards (52 off his career-high) and six touchdowns (career-high). Hooper is a pending free agent that the Falcons would love to bring back, so like Freeman, expect them to proceed cautiously.
We will keep you updated with the results of the MRIs as they are released.