Atlanta Falcons second-year running back Tevin Coleman, who was born with the sickle-cell trait, was pulled from the end of Sunday’s practice due to extreme heat.
Sickle-cell trait, a blood disorder, can cause complications when an individual is under physical stress in hot weather. The temperature was between 86-90 degrees near the end of Sunday’s practice with 58 percent humidity, according to Accuweather.com.
"You always want to take every precaution," Falcons coach Dan Quinn said of Coleman’s disorder. "There are guys all over the league that have it. For him, yeah, it’s something that we’re aware of. It’s like having something to monitor. But he’s really fit, man. He’s having an awesome camp. We just always want to take precaution on the side of player safety."
Those born with the sickle-cell trait also can be negatively affected in high altitudes. Such a factor will be something to watch when Coleman and the Falcons visit Denver in Week 5. Coleman’s early departure Sunday allowed undrafted rookie Brandon Wilds to get more snaps behind Freeman. The Falcons already are without third-string running back Terron Ward, who is sidelined with an ankle injury.
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