Falcons lose first-round pick S Keanu Neal for 3-4 weeks

The Atlanta Falcons drafted safety Keanu Neal 17th overall with the hope that he could help shore up a pass defense that ranked 18th in the league last year, but he won’t be ready for the season opener after injuring his knee during Thursday’s preseason game against the Miami Dolphins.

An MRI has revealed that Neal will require arthroscopic surgery, which will keep him out three to four weeks, according to the team.

The Falcons open the season with games against Tampa Bay on Sept. 11 and Oakland on Sept. 18. If the time frame is accurate, Neal could return for a Sept. 26 Monday night game against New Orleans.