The Atlanta Falcons have played just one game in 2018, and already they have suffered a significant casualty on the defensive side of the ball.
Safety Keanu Neal left Thursday night’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles twice with knee injuries, and he was quickly ruled out after leaving the second time. On Friday, the Falcons announced that Neal will be out for the remainder of the season.
Keanu Neal will be out for the season.
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) September 7, 2018
Neal is one of the best safeties in football. The 2016 first-round pick recorded 116 tackles and an interception last season, and his importance to Atlanta’s defensive backfield is massive. On a night where the Falcons’ offensive struggles were already on full display, losing a key defender for the year is the last thing they needed.
