FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — 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 offence 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.