Dwight Freeney Injury: Updates on Falcons DE's Calf and Return

Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dwight Freeney didn't practice on Feb. 2 due to a calf injury, Kelsey Conway of the team's official site reported. However, he won't miss Super Bowl LI against the New England Patriots.

Continue for updates. 

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Freeney Active vs. Patriots

Sunday, Feb. 5

The Falcons announced Freeney is available to play against New England.

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Quinn Comments on Freeney's Playing Status

Sunday, Feb. 5

Falcons head coach Dan Quinn said on Saturday that Freeney is "doing well and pumped to go," per ESPN.com's Vaughn McClure. ESPN's Ed Werder noted on Sunday that Quinn said, "I totally trust [Freeney]."

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Veteran Freeney Gives Falcons Pass-Rushing Depth

While Freeney is no longer the pass-rusher he was in his prime years with the Indianapolis Colts, he tied for third on the team in sacks (three) and earned the third-highest grade (75.7) among Atlanta's five edge defenders on Pro Football Focus.

Atlanta Falcons X-Factors to Disrupt Patriots Offense in Super Bowl LI

As a unit, the Falcons defensive line ranked 24th in adjusted sack rate during the regular season, per Football Outsiders.

Atlanta likely stands little chance of beating New England in the Super Bowl if Tom Brady is given enough time to dissect its secondary.

It's doubtful Freeney will wreak havoc on the Patriots like Von Miller harassed Cam Newton in Super Bowl 50 last year. However, the Falcons need him in the game, because his absence would exacerbate what has been a problem for the team in 2016.