Falcons vs. Bengals: Devonta Freeman, Sharrod Neasman inactive

The Falcons have Takkarist McKinley back, as expected. That’s the best news of the day leading up to the game, even if the list of inactives still has some names we wish were playing.

The biggest names here are Devonta Freeman, who hopes to work his way back next week from a leg injury, and Derrick Shelby, the veteran reserve defensive end whose snaps will be taken over by Steven Means. Sharrod Neasman is also hitting the pine for his first week back with the Falcons, meaning the team’s reserve safeties will be Keith Tandy and presumably Kemal Ishmael.

The Falcons badly need this win, so let’s hope having Takk back in action is enough to help them get there. With Tevin Coleman leading the way on the ground, an improved defensive end rotation, and a struggling Bengals defense, it ought to be (and please, yes, has to be) enough.