Falcons' Neal returns to practice, injury sidelines Ishmael
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.
---
AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL
-
Former All-Pro running back David Johnson retires after 8 seasons in the NFL
Will Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets live up to prime-time scheduling hype?
Why Chiefs' Harrison Butker missed the mark in commencement speech
-
2024 NFL schedule release: Win-loss predictions, analysis for every team
2024 NFL division predictions: Winners for each AFC and NFC division
2024 NFL strength of schedule: Ranking every team's slate
-
Inside the NFL schedule puzzle: Byes, Christmas, overseas trips and Taylor Swift
2025 Super Bowl LIX odds: Arizona Cardinals on the move after schedule release
Julian Edelman reveals backstage tension between Kraft, Belichick at Brady roast
Cardinals rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. sued by apparel manufacturer Fanatics for breach of contract
-
Former All-Pro running back David Johnson retires after 8 seasons in the NFL
Will Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets live up to prime-time scheduling hype?
Why Chiefs' Harrison Butker missed the mark in commencement speech
-
2024 NFL schedule release: Win-loss predictions, analysis for every team
2024 NFL division predictions: Winners for each AFC and NFC division
2024 NFL strength of schedule: Ranking every team's slate
-
Inside the NFL schedule puzzle: Byes, Christmas, overseas trips and Taylor Swift
2025 Super Bowl LIX odds: Arizona Cardinals on the move after schedule release
Julian Edelman reveals backstage tension between Kraft, Belichick at Brady roast