FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons could receive a double boost against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday with the return of running back Devonta Freeman and return specialist Devin Hester.
Freeman is expected to clear the league concussion protocol program by the middle of the week, according to Falcons coach Dan Quinn.
Hester, who hasn’t played this season because of a turf toe injury, is eligible to be activated for Sunday’s game.
Hester been practicing with the team for the past two weeks, fielding kicks and punts.
Hester, formerly of the Chicago Bears, played 2014 with the Falcons. Last season, he played in 16 games with one start, and had 38 catches for 504 yards and two touchdowns. Hester also led the NFL in yards per punt with 13.3, number of kickoff/punt returns (63), and combined kick and punt yards with 1,368 yards.
Eric Weems has been returning kicks and punt this season for the Falcons.
–Linebacker Justin Durant suffered an ankle injury in the second quarter and left the game and did not return. Durant, who entered the game second on the team in tackles with 48 tackles, was replaced on the defense by Philip Wheeler.
–Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones reached 90 catches and 1,200 yards for the second consecutive season.
Jones entered Sunday’s game against the Vikings with 89 catches for 1,189 yards, which both were league highs through 10 games. Jones recorded his 90th catch on a seven-yard gain in the first quarter Sunday and then topped 1,200 yards with an 11-yard catch two plays later.
Jones finished the 2014 season with 104 receptions for 1,593 yards and six touchdowns.