National Football League

Falcons' Ishmael 'not quite ready' to play against Jaguars

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 1:19 a.m. ET

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FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) The Atlanta Falcons still expect Kemal Ishmael will open the season as the fill-in starter at strong safety even though he'll miss his third straight preseason game this week.

Coach Dan Quinn said Tuesday Ishmael won't play in Thursday night's final preseason game against Jacksonville. Ishmael, returning from a shoulder sprain, practiced on Monday and Tuesday but won't be able to replace injured rookie starter Keanu Neal this week as had been hoped.

Neal is expected to miss at least the first two regular-season games after having arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on Monday.

Quinn said Ishmael is ''just not quite ready'' but should have no limitations next week.

Newly signed veteran safety Deshon Goldson will play against the Jaguars.

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