FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Atlanta Falcons rookie running back Tevin Coleman, who suffered a fractured rib in Week 2 against the New York Giants, is expected to return to practice this week.

Coach Dan Quinn didn't go as far as to say Coleman would be available to play against the Washington Redskins on Sunday.

"We're hopeful,'' Quinn said Coleman's game status. "We're probably be able to get him, for sure, some work starting on Wednesday. So, we're hopeful that he'll be back with us.''

Coleman did some running and exercises on a side field last week. He was designated the starter for Week 1, but Devonta Freeman has responded with seven touchdowns in a featured role over the last two-plus games. Freeman leads the NFL in scoring (42 points) and is a big reason why the Falcons boast the league's top red-zone offense with an 80 percent conversion rate (12 of 15).

Quinn was asked about how Freeman's workload could change upon Coleman's return.

"It probably would, to a certain degree,'' Quinn said. "But we have such confidence in Devonta that he's going to make the opportunities count -- his toughness, his finish. He plays with such a physical style. I think we have a heck of a 1-2 combination between Devonta and Tevin.''

In the season opener when both Coleman and Freeman were healthy, Coleman had 20 carries for 80 yards and Freeman had 10 carries for 18 yards. Freeman added three receptions in that game.

In other injury news, Quinn said starting weakside linebacker Justin Durant will see a doctor on Thursday to reassess the elbow sprain he suffered against the Houston Texans. Durant looked ready to go back into the game but was held out. Joplo Bartu replaced him.

More should be revealed about the status of wide receiver/kicker returner Devin Hester (turf toe), tight end Jacob Tamme (concussion), and free safety Ricardo Allen (MCL sprain) as the week progresses.