Football gods shine on Atlanta Falcons, Devonta Freeman avoids knee surgery

Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman had a rough year. It’s probably not the sort of year Freeman or the Falcons had in mind when he signed a five year, $41.25 million contract in August. But two concussions and a knee injury later, here we are.

We learned after the divisional round loss that Freeman had been playing through a knee injury. We had some sense something wasn’t right in week 17 when Freeman hobbled off the field late in that game. Then again in the wild card round and divisional rounds, something was off. But ultimately the injury wasn’t officially confirmed until about an hour after the season ended. Turns out he was playing through both PCL and MCL tears.

Freeman recently underwent an MRI and the news is encouraging. (Credit to ESPN’s Vaughn McClure for the quote.)

“No,” Quinn said when asked if Freeman needed surgery. Quinn had the same response when asked if wide receiver Julio Jones, who dealt with late-season ankle and thumb injuries, needed surgery. Jones pulled out of the Pro Bowl due to injury.

The tears weren’t big enough to necessitate surgery. I’m sure the decision not to get surgery was discussed and discussed and discussed again. I trust they made the right decision. Good news all around, Falcoholics! Your thoughts?