Quinn says Devonta Freeman (concussion) could return soon

Devonta Freeman is out with a concussion.

Credit: (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Credit: (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Devonta Freeman is out with a concussion.

Falcons coach Dan Quinn said he believes running back Devonta Freeman will finish the NFL-mandated concussion protocol over “the next couple of days” before returning to practice.

“I don’t have an update as of yet, but I’m thinking that would be soon,” Quinn said Wednesday. “It’s not going to be a long-term issue.”

Freeman was forced to leave Sunday’s practice and was placed in the protocol Monday. The protocol is a five-step return-to-play process that starts once a player has been diagnosed with a concussion.

Freeman will not play when the Falcons face the Steelers in an exhibition game Sunday in Pittsburgh. Freeman had a 15-yard touchdown reception during the 23-20 exhibition loss at Miami on Thursday.