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The Atlanta Falcons lost not only Thursday night's game, but also a vital member of the defense.
Keanu Neal is out for the season after suffering a knee injury in the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the team said on Friday. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network and Steve Wyche of NFL Network reported that the knee injury was actually a tear in the eye nerve.
ESPN first reported the news.
Coach Dan Quinn first said after the game that Neal's knee injury did not seem serious. Alas, an MRI on Friday revealed the tear.
Neal first twisted the knee in the first half last night but was able to return. He again suffered a knee injury during a contactless match in the second period.
Losing the third year pro is a blow to the Falcons' defense.
The handyman's safety is one of the key players in Dan Quinn's system. Written to play the role of Kam Chancellor, Neal is a tough guy who can cover and play every game. During his first two seasons, Neal compiled 222 tackles and 15 defensive passes with an interception, which sealed the Falcons' first place last year. In 2017, his 116 tackles were the second most secure.
Losing the safety of the Pro Bowl harms the flexibility, depth and play at the back of the Falcons defense.
The second year of safety Damontae Kazee took the place of Neal Thursday and should be called to play the role of base. Neal's only chance of getting hurt brutally is that Kazee looked fantastic in the little we saw of him. Last night, he made a big tackle in the field on Jay Ajayi and produced the blow that forced the interception of Nick Foles. In preseason, Kazee was a fastball in Atlanta.
Despite optimism about Kazee, however, Neal's injury could force the Falcons to exploit the bunch of free agents to get help. Could Eric Reid finally find a landing point?
Neal's injury to open the season is a painful reminder of the brutality of football. He will not be the last star to see his season shattered.
The NFL is a battle of wear and the Falcons have received a bad hand.
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