FLOWERY BRANCH — The Atlanta Falcons are placing running back Devonta Freeman on injured reserve with a groin injury.
The team made the announcement Tuesday, another major setback in its injury plagued season.
One of the NFL's highest-paid running backs, Freeman is the fifth Atlanta player to go on injured reserve this season. He follows safeties Keanu Neal and Ricardo Allen, linebacker Deion Jones and offensive guard Andy Levitre.
Freeman has slowed by a variety of injuries the last two seasons. This year, he missed three games with a bruised knee sustained in a season-opening loss at Philadelphia. When he returned for a game at Pittsburgh, he went down with a foot injury and also was bothered by groin soreness.
The Falcons didn't think the groin problem was serious, but further tests showed Freeman needs a surgical procedure. The team is hopeful he will be able to return late in the season.
“Following the game against Pittsburgh, where Devonta injured his foot, we thought he was just having general soreness in his groin area,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. “As the week went on it continued so we decided to have him get some tests. It has been determined that he will need a procedure that will result in us placing him on injured reserve. We are hopeful he will be able to return this season, but we will have a better feel for that in the coming weeks.”
