Tevin Coleman

The Falcons are off to a flying start, but may not have one of their key offensive parts next week at Mile High Stadium.

According to Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com, Falcons running back Tevin Coleman said he wasn’t sure he’d be able to play against the Broncos this week because he carries the sickle cell trait. The red blood cell disorder can cause complications for people who are under physical stress in hot weather or at high altitudes.

“With my sickle cell, I have no idea if I’ll play there,’’ Coleman said. “I really don’t know how I’ll feel or how it will be like. I’ve never been to Denver.’’

Related players: Devonta Freeman

The story pointed out two cases: Former NFL safety Ryan Clark once became ill and lost his spleen and gall bladder after a game in Denver, and then sat out two subsequent games including one in the playoffs. Other carriers, such as Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins, have played there without incident.