Falcons coach Dan Quinn said rookie safety Keanu Neal could return to play against the Saints next Monday after missing the first two games following arthroscopic knee surgery on Aug. 28.
Quinn said Neal would participate on a limited basis on Thursday, the team’s first scheduled full practice of the week.
“We will see how it goes,” Quinn said. “We are optimistic but we will have to see how it goes Thursday, Friday and Saturday on the three big work days.”
Neal suffered the knee injury during the exhibition game against the Dolphins on Aug. 25. The Falcons at the time estimated he would miss three to four weeks.
Neal’s return could help the Falcons’ defense. After Sunday’s games the Falcons ranked next-to-last in the league in opponent passer rating (120) and 23rd in passing yards allowed per play.
The Falcons selected Neal with the No. 17 overall pick in the draft out of the University of Florida. They envision Neal playing a hybrid role similar to Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor, whom Quinn coached as Seattle’s defensive coordinator.
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