Falcons staying in touch with Dwight Freeney

HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Dwight Freeney #93 of the Atlanta Falcons looks on prior to Super Bowl 51 against the New England Patriots at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Dwight Freeney #93 of the Atlanta Falcons looks on prior to Super Bowl 51 against the New England Patriots at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

The Falcons have been in contact with Dwight Freeney but there are no immediate plans to sign the defensive end despite an injury to Vic Beasley, according to head coach Dan Quinn.

Beasley was injured in Sunday night’s victory over the Packers. On Monday, Quinn said the injury is a hamstring strain and that the defensive end is week to week and that he would miss Sunday’s game at the Lions.

“Definitely somebody that we still talk to on a regular basis,” Quinn said of Freeney, who played with the Falcons last season and is currently a free agent. “We are hopeful that he’s going to play this year (although not necessarily with the Falcons). I know that he wants to, but right not there are no changes in our plan.”

The Falcons plan to give rookie Takkarist McKinley more playing time at Beasley’s left defensive end position in their nickel defense.

The veteran Freeney helped with the development of Beasley during his one season with the team. Beasley led the NFL with 15.5 sacks and was named All-Pro.