Breaking Down the Falcons' RB Situation

The Falcons’ top two running backs, Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman, returned to practice on Monday and participated in position drills. Due to their lingering injuries, Freeman and Coleman were sidelined for all of practice last week and the first preseason game against the Titans. During the game, Antone Smith went down with a hamstring injury during the second quarter following a 1-yard touchdown run. While the status of Freeman and Coleman remains day-to-day and Smith continues to battle his injury, here is a close look at who the Atlanta Falcons currently have as options at running back: Terron Ward NFL Experience: R College: Oregon State Height/ Weight: 5’7”; 201 Notes: Terron Ward has quickly made a name for himself during XFITINITY® Atlanta Falcons Training Camp and* fits well in the zone-block scheme, as he is known for his strength and blocking skills. The Falcons signed the speedster as a college free agent after a promising career with the Beavers, where he finished with 1,843 rushing yards and 22 rushing touchdowns. He also recorded 87 receptions for 664 receiving yards. Michael Ford* NFL Experience: 2 College: LSU Height/ Weight: 5’10”; 216 Notes: The Falcons signed Michael Ford at the beginning of August following Freeman’s injury. Ford’s debut was at Kia Motors Friday Night Lights, where he showcased his speed with an impressive run up the middle. Originally signed by the Chicago Bears as a college free agent in 2013, Ford saw action in 12 games primarily on special teams. After being cut by Chicago, Ford was not picked up and did not play on an NFL team during the 2014 season. Jerome Smith NFL Experience: 1 College: Syracuse Height/ Weight: 6’0; 226 Notes: Following a season on the practice squad, Jerome Smith enters his second season with the Falcons. Smith has excelled in the run game so far and his performance in the first preseason game caught the attention of quarterback Matt Ryan. “Jerome Smith came in and played, I thought, really well for us," Ryan said. “He was physical in the run game, ran the ball really well, but his pass protection was really, really good.” Smith enjoyed a productive career at Syracuse where he rushed for 914 yards on 200 carries with eight touchdowns in 2013 and ranked second in the Big East with 1,171 yards on 227 carries in 2012. Evan Royster NFL Experience: 4 College: Penn State Height/ Weight: 5’11; 202 Notes: Following a season out of the NFL, Royster makes his return to an offense he is very familiar with. Royster was a sixth-round draft pick by the Redskins in 2011, where Kyle Shanahan was the offensive coordinator. In Shanahan’s offense, Royster ran for 416 yards on 81 carries during his time in Washington.

Breaking Down the Falcons' RB Situation

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