ATLANTA, Oct. 3 (UPI) -- Running back Tevin Coleman has been an integral part of the Atlanta Falcons' 3-1 start.
Despite sharing a backfield with Devonta Freeman, he has four touchdowns and 310 yards from scrimmage through four weeks. But the Falcons could be without him next Sunday in a road game against the Denver Broncos. The Falcons go to Denver on fire, coming off of Sunday's 48-33 win against the Carolina Panthers.
Coleman carries the sickle cell trait and is "unsure about playing in the high altitude of Denver," ESPN's Vaughn McClure wrote. The trait is a genetic abnormality and can affect red blood cells.
"With my sickle cell, I have no idea if I'll play there,'' Coleman told ESPN.com. "I really don't know how I'll feel or how it will be like. I've never been to Denver.''
Don't know #TevinColeman medical status but usually not issue. Most teams have at least 1 player with sickle cell TRAIT. Disease is a deal. https://t.co/XNZD8v4Evm
— David J. Chao, MD (@ProFootballDoc) October 3, 2016
Practice squad running back Terron Ward could be called up if Coleman is inactive for the contest.
Tevin Coleman might not play this week in Denver due to his sickle cell and the high altitude.
— Michael Fabiano (@Michael_Fabiano) October 3, 2016
Former Pittsburgh Steeler Ryan Clark also has the sickle cell trait. In 2007, Clark lost his spleen and gall bladder after playing in Denver. He later sat out two games in Denver.
"Tevin Coleman should be ok," Clark tweeted. "What happen to me is not a normal reaction. Happens in less than 1% of people who have the trait."
Coleman is an RB2 or solid flex play this season in fantasy football.
Tevin Coleman should be ok. What happen to me is not a normal reaction. Happens in less than 1% of people who have the trait.
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) October 3, 2016
