As expected, the Falcons picked up the fifth-year option on safety Keanu Neal on Wednesday.

Neal, who missed most of last season after suffering a season-ending knee injury in the season opener, was drafted in the first round (17th overall) of the 2017 draft.

Neal, 23, went to the Pro Bowl after the 2017 season.

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. runs against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of Thursday's game. (Jason Behnken/AP)

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Georgia and Florida wildlife officials work to disentangle right whale No. 5217, called Division, off St. Simons Island on Dec. 4. (Courtesy o Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute)

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