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Tevin Coleman set to play against the Jets

The gifted back should have a nice game if the Falcons call his name.

Atlanta Falcons v New England Patriots Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

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With a game against the Jets looming and the Falcons down a pair of linebackers, it’s going to be important for Atlanta to finally control the tempo of a game. One of the best ways to do so will be to run effectively against the New York front seven, and while Devonta Freeman will get the bulk of that work, Tevin Coleman’s speed and versatility make him a dangerous player. Thankfully, despite being limited earlier in the week, Coleman seems like he’ll be systems go Sunday.

Coleman hasn’t been the biggest part of the offense this year, with a small number of targets in the early going and far fewer carries than Freeman. That usage will likely change as Steve Sarkisian searches for ways to get more explosive plays out of this offense and extend drives, and I’d expect Coleman to get 10-15 touches Sunday. I’m hopeful he’ll have a productive game along with Freeman.

As expected, Jordan Tripp and Duke Riley are out. With the Falcons looking a little depleted at linebacker, Jermaine Grace will step up to take special teams snaps, Kemal Ishmael will start for Riley, and Sean Weatherspoon may get some playing time Sunday after being signed to the team that drafted him this week. Hopefully, this somehow leads to a better performance against the Jets’ ground game than we’ve seen against the other three AFC East teams.