Injuries: Freeman (concussion) cleared for practice

Devonta Freeman is back.

Atlanta Falcons coach Dan Quinn announced the running back has cleared concussion protocol and practiced Wednesday after sitting out last week's loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

Quinn added Freeman is "jacked" about returning. The back has toted the rock 167 times for 764 yards this season with an NFL-leading nine rushing touchdowns.

Atlanta's rushing attack suffered two weeks ago after Freeman exited the Week 11 loss. Rookie Tevin Coleman ran for 110 yards last week, but also had a crucial fumble -- Coleman has three fumbles lost this season on 78 touches (1 per 26 touches); Freeman has 1 fumble on 215 touches this season.

Quinn was optimistic earlier this week that Freeman would return Sunday to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After falling out of playoff position, the Falcons need a win to end their four-game losing skid. Getting Freeman back will go a long way towards that goal.

Here's a look at other injuries we're tracking Wednesday:

1. Broncos coach Gary Kubiak told reporters that the cast on Peyton Manning's injured left foot has been removed, but the five-time NFL MVP is still wearing a protective boot. "We're totally committed to getting (Manning) back. ... Nothing has changed," Kubiak said. Manning is expected to miss the next two weeks as he continues to recover from a torn plantar fascia.

Linebacker DeMarcus Ware (back) was limited in practice. He has missed the last three games for Denver. 

2. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisbergerwas a full participant in practice. Wideout Martavis Bryant (hip), linebacker James Harrison (knee) and tight end Heath Miller (rib) didn't practice. Linebacker Ryan Shazier (concussion) was limited.

3. Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert (neck) did not participate in practice.

4. Lions wideout Calvin Johnson (ankle) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Packers after a limited Wednesday practice session. Fellow receiver Golden Tate (calf) is probable. Kicker Matt Prater is questionable with an illness.

5. Chiefs running back Charcandrick West (hamstring) was a full-go at practice. Also tackle Eric Fisher (neck), lineman Allen Bailey (calf) and linebacker Dee Ford (rib) practiced today. Trainer Rick Burkholder told reporters that guard Ben Grubbs (neck) will need another month to recover and has been placed on injured reserve.

6. Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis remains in concussion protocol, said coach Todd Bowles, who added he's not sure if the six-time Pro Bowler will play against the Giants on Sunday. Calvin Pace (abdomen), Dion Bailey (ankle), Marcus Williams (knee) and Nick Mangold (hand) also did not practice.

7. Packers wideout Ty Montgomery (ankle) has been ruled out of Thursday's meeting with the Lions. Centers JC Tretter (ankle) and Corey Linsley (ankle), right tackle Bryan Bulaga (ankle) and guard T.J. Lang (shoulder) are all questionable.

8. Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower, with a brace over his left knee, and wideout Danny Amendola (knee) were present for today's practice. Tight end Rob Gronkowski (knee) was not. 

9. Panthers defensive end Mario Addison (shoulder) and cornerback Charles Tillman (knee) didn't practice. Defensive end Kony Ealy (neck) was limited.

10. Eagles running back Ryan Mathews (groin/concussion) didn't practice, again. Wideout Nelson Agholor (hip) was limited.

11. Jaguars wideout Allen Hurns (concussion) missed practice.

12. Bears rookie wideout Kevin White (shin) participated in individual drills. Shin surgery has kept him from playing so far this season.

13. Defensive tackle Linval Joseph (foot) didn't practice. Linebacker Anthony Barr (hand/groin) and safety Harrison Smith (knee) were both limited.

14. Colts cornerback Vontae Davis (ankle), safety Mike Adams (ankle/hamstring) and offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo (knee) didn't participate in practice.

15. Raiders center Rodney Hudson (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday and running back Taiwan Jones (knee) was limited.