National Football League

Falcons' Neal returns to practice, injury sidelines Ishmael

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 4:12 p.m. ET

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FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) Atlanta Falcons rookie starting safety Keanu Neal, the NFL's 17th overall draft pick, was back at practice Sunday after missing last week's exhibition game with a torso injury.

Neal's return helps the starting secondary. A shoulder injury will sideline No. 2 safety Kemal Ishmael when Atlanta (1-0 preseason) visits Cleveland (0-1) on Thursday.

Running back Terron Ward probably won't play because of an ankle injury. He's on the third-team offense with tight end Levine Toilolo, who returned to practice after missing the win over Washington with a sore hand.

Kicker Matt Bryant was held out with leg tightness.

Second-string running back Tevin Coleman didn't finish practice because of the 101-degree heat index.

Defensive end Dwight Freeney, signed Aug. 4 to a one-year contract, will make his Falcons debut against the Browns. The 15th-year veteran didn't play against Washington because he only had a couple days of practice in full pads.

Coach Dan Quinn said Freeney will take only a few snaps.

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