ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 14: Tevin Coleman #26 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates after the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at the Georgia Dome on September 14, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Tevin Coleman

NFL RB plans to play Sunday despite "risking [his] life"

Falcons player decides to ignore health concerns to play Sunday against Denver

Less than a week ago, Falcons running back Tevin Coleman seemed to consider himself doubtful for Sunday's game against the Broncos.

Coleman has sickle-cell trait—-a rare blood disorder that in the mile high altitude of a city like Denver can increase the chances of stroke and muscle breakdown in athletes—-and admitted to ESPN that he was more than a little bit nervous about risking his life to play in the game.

He's apparently had a change of heart, though.

According to Falcons beat writer D. Orlando Ledbetter, of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Coleman said "he would stay hydrated and communicate with doctors." Atlanta head coach Dan Quinn has also reportedly said Coleman would "play in full."

RELATED: Falcons running back would be risking his life if he played in Denver

It's a good thing for Coleman that backfield mate Devonta Freeman gets most of the touches as it is. The last thing anyone wants to see is a repeat of Ryan Clark in 2007.

The retired Pittsburgh Steelers safety suffered the same affliction and had to have his spleen and gall bladder removed, then was sidelined for the bulk of the season after opting to play in Denver that year.