Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman is unlikely to play next Monday night at Seattle against the Seahawks after suffering his second concussion this season, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen.
Freeman will be re-evaluated this week, but his concussion history and running style contribute to making it unlikely he will play in Week 11. It would not be a surprise if Freeman's absence extended beyond this week and into multiple games, considering his history, according to sources.
Coach Dan Quinn wouldn't rule out Freeman for the Seahawks game just yet. "Not until we get all the way through the medical reports and go through that,'' Quinn said.
"I won't rule him out until they say he's ruled out," he said. "We're going to do the very best looking out for him, I can promise you that.''
Freeman exited in the first quarter of the Falcons' 27-7 victory over the Dallas Cowboys after taking a hit from linebacker Anthony Hitchens.
Sunday's concussion was his third with the Falcons.
Freeman missed two preseason games after suffering a concussion in a practice in August. He also suffered a concussion in November 2015, when he was hit by Colts safety Clayton Geathers.
Quinn also on Monday dismissed a claim by Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis that Freeman first sustained this concussion a week earlier, in a loss at Carolina.
"He had a bruised knee in that one, and so that's what he was on our injury report for,'' Quinn said. "I know he was evaluated on the sideline, but by no means was he put in a concussion protocol. So last week, any limitation he had was due to the bruised knee. Nothing past that.''
Freeman leads the Falcons in rushing with 515 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns on 116 carries.
With Freeman out Sunday, the Falcons got a solid performance from Tevin Coleman (20 yards, 83 yards rushing, 1 touchdown).
Multiple sources told ESPN that Freeman's considering switching to the VICIS helmet upon his return. Right tackle Ryan Schraeder uses the helmet, which was designed to reduce impact on the head.
Information from ESPN's Vaughn McClure was used in this report.