Falcons released RB Steven Jackson, per source.

Looking at the running back position, Kyle Shanahan presided over three stellar fantasy seasons in his seven years as an offensive coordinator. In 2008, while Shanny was the OC of the Texans, Steve Slaton turned 327 touches (50 receptions) into 1,659 yards and 10 touchdowns. (Slaton averaged 77.6 total yards on 15.9 touches in 2009.) In 2012, rookie Alfred Morris racked up 1,690 total yards and 13 touchdowns. He followed it up with 1,353 total yards and seven scores in 2013. Shanahan even coaxed 86.7 total yards (on 18.2 touches) from Ryan Torain in 2010 and 67.9 yards on 13.3 touches from Roy Helu in 2011. Freeman wasn't terribly impressive in his rookie season (248 yards rushing, 3.8 YPC), but he was active and effective in the passing game (30 catches for 225 yards), so a Slaton-esque season isn't out of the realm of possibility. With Jackson out of the way, GM Thomas Dimitroff said that there was “no question” that Freeman is ready to be the feature back in Atlanta.

Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff said Devonta Freeman can be the team's featured back.

Looking at the running back position, new OC Kyle Shanahan presided over three stellar fantasy seasons in his seven years as an offensive coordinator. In 2008, while Shanny was the OC of the Texans, Steve Slaton turned 327 touches (50 receptions) into 1,659 yards and 10 touchdowns. (Slaton averaged 77.6 total yards on 15.9 touches in 2009.) In 2012, rookie Alfred Morris racked up 1,690 total yards and 13 touchdowns. He followed it up with 1,353 total yards and seven scores in 2013. Shanahan even coaxed 86.7 total yards (on 18.2 touches) from Ryan Torain in 2010 and 67.9 yards on 13.3 touches from Roy Helu in 2011. Freeman wasn't terribly impressive as a runner in his rookie season (248 yards rushing, 3.8 YPC), but he was active and effective in the passing game (30 catches for 225 yards), so a Slaton-esque season isn't out of the realm of possibility. If the Falcons stand pat at running back, he'll have some middle round appeal, assuming his role looks to be bigger than Steven Jackson's.

Steven Jackson, who turns 32 in July, is likely to be released with one year left on his contract. The move would save the Falcons $3.75 million against the salary cap. And the Falcons no doubt want younger, fresher legs in Kyle Shanahan's offense.

If the Falcons part ways with S-Jax, it could be a sign that they're ready to hand Devonta Freeman the keys. They are also likely to address the position in free agency or the draft, but the quality of the signee/draftee will give us an idea of what Freeman's role might be.

Falcons OC Kyle Shanahan said he loved Devonta Freeman last year coming out of college. He’s still evaluating offensive talent on roster here.

Looking at the running back position, Shanahan presided over three stellar fantasy seasons in his seven years as an offensive coordinator. In 2008, while Shanny was the OC of the Texans, Steve Slaton turned 327 touches (50 receptions) into 1,659 yards and 10 touchdowns. (Slaton averaged 77.6 total yards on 15.9 touches in 2009.) In 2012, rookie Alfred Morris racked up 1,690 total yards and 13 touchdowns. He followed it up with 1,353 total yards and seven scores in 2013. Shanahan even coaxed 86.7 total yards (on 18.2 touches) from Ryan Torain in 2010 and 67.9 yards on 13.3 touches from Roy Helu in 2011. Freeman wasn't terribly impressive in his rookie season (248 yards rushing, 3.8 YPC), but he was active and effective in the passing game (30 catches for 225 yards), so a Slaton-esque season isn't out of the realm of possibility. If the Falcons stand pat at running back, he'll have some middle round appeal, assuming his role looks to be bigger than Steven Jackson's.

Falcons Inactives
Ricardo Allen CB
Charles Godfrey FS
Steven Jackson RB
Stansly Maponga DE
Sean Renfree QB
Jonathan Scott T
Tyler Starr OLB

Jacquizz Rodgers and Devonta Freeman should split the work, with Freeman having more upside. Julio Jones active, as expected.

Falcons RBs Devonta Freeman and Jacquizz Rodgers took over against the New Orleans Saints after Steven Jackson left the game with a quadriceps injury. Freeman, a fourth-round pick from Florida State, provided some big plays, including a 31-yard touchdown run.

Rodgers will likely get the bulk of the carries because he’s still considered a better pass protector.

Freeman has been significantly better but admits that he's not good enough in pass protection. Rodgers may start, but we expect that Freeman will get enough touches to make him a worthwhile play in daily formats.

Falcons RB Steven Jackson has a quad injury and did not return to the game.

An ESPN report on Monday said the Falcons don't believe the injury is serious and that Jackson will play in Week 17. Jacquizz Rodgers had 11 carries but collected just 29 yards. Devonte Freeman ran for a 5-36-1 line and added three catches for 48 yards. The Falcons play for the NFC South title against the Panthers next week. If Jackson can't go Freeman and Rodgers would likely split up the workload with Freeman having more upside.