An unfortunate step has sidelined Falcons running back Tevin Coleman.
Coach Dan Quinn announced Thursday that the third-rounder slipped in the shower and hit his head on Wednesday, leaving Coleman mired in the league's concussion protocol, per The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Depending on the severity, it's fair to wonder if Coleman will play again this season for a Falcons team in complete freefall.
With just a single 100-yard game on the year, the former Indiana star has served as a second option to Pro Bowler Devonta Freeman all season. His 87 carries have produced a healthy 4.5 yards per attempt, but Coleman has yet to materialize into a steady backfield option.
If he can't play Sunday against the Panthers, look for Terron Ward to serve as Freeman's backup in a game that could officially end Atlanta's paper-thin shot at the postseason.
Other injuries we've been tracking on Thursday:
- Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert (concussion) was back on the field Thursday, but did not participate in practice. He will not play against the Broncos on Monday, according to NFL Media's Rand Getlin.
Linebacker Vontaze Burfict (knee) and safety George Iloka (groin) both did practice.
- Wideout Dez Bryant is dealing with foot and ankle injuries. He is not expected to practice again this week, Cowboys coach Jason Garrett told reporters. Bryant has been dealing with the injuries for the past few weeks, and it's unclear whether he'll play against the Bills on Sunday.
- Eagles cornerback Byron Maxwell (shoulder) did not participate at practice.
- Running back T.J. Yeldon (knee) did not participate during the Jaguars practice.
- Browns center Alex Mack (calf) and left tackle Joe Thomas (knee) are both expected to play Sunday vs. the Chiefs.
- Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (foot) will not play Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, coach Ron Rivera announced Thursday.
- Jaguars tailback T.J. Yeldon (knee) did not practice again on Thursday, while wideout Allen Hurns (thigh) was limited.
- Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy told reporters he's been playing since Week 2 with a torn rotator cuff. In addition, he revealed he underwent surgery for a broken left hand he suffered against the Colts on Nov. 29.
- While Drew Brees (foot) did not practice on Thursday, the Saints star quarterback said he will play Sunday against the Jaguars.
Marques Colston (chest), Jairus Byrd (knee), Terron Armstead (knee) and Benjamin Watson (knee) also did not practice on Thursday.
- Packers defensive tackle Mike Daniels (hamstring) and running back Eddie Lacy (rib) were limited in practice, while cornerback Sam Shields (concussion) did not practice.
- Cardinals safety Rashad Johnson (ankle) did not participate in practice. Running back Andre Ellington (toe) and cornerback Jerraud Powers (calf) were both limited.
- Seahawks wideout Doug Baldwin (hamstring) could be a game-time decision, lineman Russell Okung (calf) and safety Kam Chancellor (pelvis) are questionable, per Pete Carroll.
- The Chargers suffered several injuries during Thursday's 23-20 overtime loss to the Raiders. Cornerback Jason Verrett (hamstring) and safety Eric Weddle (groin) made early exits and guard Orlando Franklin left in the second half to be evaluated for a possible concussion. In the first half, Chargers safety Darrell Stuckey suffered a knee injury and didn't return.
In addition, offensive tackle Chris Hairston (abdomen) and wide receiver Javontee Herndon (chest) left in the second half, and didn't return. Wide receiver Steve Johnson (groin) did not suit up for the game.
