Devonta Freeman, Austin Hooper ‘trending in the right way’ in Week 12

The Atlanta Falcons return to practice on Wednesday in preparation for Week 12 vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and they’re trying to remain optimistic about the injury report. Head coach Dan Quinn said tight end Austin Hooper and running back Devonta Freeman are both trending in the right direction, according to beat writer Vaughn McClure. Quinn said they will not practice on Wednesday, but he would not yet rule them out for Thursday or Friday.

If Freeman is unable to go in Week 12, Brian Hill would get the start once again. Hill rushed for 30 yards on 15 carries last week. If Hooper couldn’t go, Luke Stocker would get the start and Jaeden Graham would get some work. Stocker was not targeted last week, while Graham had two receptions for 23 yards.

Fantasy football analysis: Devonta Freeman, Austin Hooper, Brian Hill

Don’t count on Freeman or Hooper this week for your fantasy squads. Maybe they surprise us, but I doubt either even gets in a limited practice session this week.

With that in mind, Hill faces a tough matchup this weekend in Tampa Bay. The Bucs defense ranks No. 1 in rushing efficiency and has given up the second fewest fantasy points to running backs this season. Considering how Hill looked against a bad Panthers run defense, this does not bode well.

Hill was a popular waiver wire pick-up last week, and you can expect some touch volume. But keep expectations low and try and find other options.