Falcons trying Tevin Coleman at kick returner

The Atlanta Falcons might give 2015 third-round pick Tevin Coleman a look on special teams this season, as they're in need of a kick returner.

Head coach Dan Quinn referred to the move Tuesday after Coleman joined the special teams unit in blocking drills during OTAs.

"Possibly as a kickoff returner," Quinn said, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal Constitution. "With that speed and making one cut is very similar to playing running back. If he can add another value to the team, that's certainly something that we'll look at."

The Falcons return position isn't set in stone with Devin Hester's status up in the air following offseason foot surgery. Hester could be a camp casualty if he can't return to his previous form, as the Falcons could save $3 million in cap space if the veteran is released.

For Coleman, the move would be a clear demotion and could signal an end to the notion that the sophomore running back would eat into Devonta Freeman's workload in 2016.

Entering his rookie season, Coleman was considered the Falcons' lead back - dominating carries in Week 1 with 20 - but an injury allowed Freeman to take over. The 1,000-yard, 14 touchdown campaign that followed sealed Freeman's status as top dog, even though Coleman looked good at times.