Falcons RB Devonta Freeman ruled out after foot injury

The Falcons don’t need any more bad injury news, but they got some nonetheless. Running back Devonta Freeman is questionable to return to the matchup against the Saints with a foot injury, per Kelsey Conway of AtlantaFalcons.com.

Freeman had 10 carries for 38 yards and three catches for 10 yards prior to injury. Freeman’s production hasn’t really aligned with expectations this season, though that’s not all on him. Inconsistent offensive line performance and lots of situations where the Falcons were playing from behind have contributed to his 41.6 yards per game and zero touchdowns this season.

Ito Smith cleared the league’s concussion protocol, but the neck injury he suffered concurrently landed him on injured reserve for the season. Brian Hill and Kenjon Barner are next up in place of Freeman if Freeman is unable to return for this one. Hill has six carries so far for 16 yards, which — yikes. Barner has one carry for 12 yards. Calvin Ridley is also an option — the second-year WR has one carry against the Saints for a 19-yard gain.

We’ll have more on this situation as it develops. Check back for updates.

Update: Freeman was ruled after at the start of the 4th quarter with the foot injury. No word on the specifics of the injury, which should come early this week.