Atlanta Falcons fill-in Ishmael expected to open season at strong safety - Gainesville Times

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Atlanta Falcons fill-in Ishmael expected to open season at strong safety

Veteran will miss Thursday's final preseason game

New Orleans Saints tight end Benjamin Watson (82) misses the catch against Atlanta Falcons strong safety Kemal Ishmael (36) during the second half of this NFC South matchup on Jan. 3 in Atlanta . After missing the last two preseason games with a shoulder injury, Ishmael is being asked to step in as the fill-in for rookie Keanu Neal, who is expected to be out three to four weeks with a knee injury. - photo by David Goldman

0831Falcons-Ishmael-IMG-jpg — New Orleans Saints tight end Benjamin Watson (82) misses the catch against Atlanta Falcons strong safety Kemal Ishmael (36) during the second half of this NFC South matchup on Jan. 3 in Atlanta . After missing the last two preseason games with a shoulder injury, Ishmael is being asked to step in as the fill-in for rookie Keanu Neal, who is expected to be out three to four weeks with a knee injury. - photo by David Goldman

FLOWERY BRANCH — The Atlanta Falcons still expect Kemal Ishmael will open the season as the fill-in starter at strong safety even though he’ll miss his third straight preseason game this week. Coach Dan Quinn said Tuesday Ishmael won’t play in Thursday night’s final preseason game against Jacksonville. Ishmael, returning from a shoulder sprain, practiced on Monday and Tuesday but won’t be able to replace injured rookie starter Keanu Neal this week as had been hoped.

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