:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63332379/usa_today_11130117.0.jpg)
We’re all eager to see Keanu Neal back on the field. We need to be prepared for the possibility that it may not happen on the first day of Falcons training camp.
During an interview with Alex Marvez and Zig Fracassi on Sirium XM NFL, Neal said that he doesn’t know if he’ll be ready to go at the start of camp.
From our @SiriusXMNFL interview w/@alexmarvez & me w/ Keanu Neal: (asked if he'll be ready for training camp) I don't want to put a timetable on things. We are heading in the right direction. #Falcons #NFL.
— Zig Fracassi (@ZigFracassi) April 1, 2019
Neal has been sharing rehab videos for months, and it frankly looks like he’s been making incredible progress. But it’s not an easy injury to come back from, especially for a player who relies on explosion to make plays.
The Falcons lost Neal after he went down with a knee injury in the the Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018. It was one of several devastating injuries to starters, as Neal was joined by Devonta Freeman, Brandon Fusco and Andy Levitre, Ricardo Allen, and Deion Jones for most of the season.
Lest anyone panic, the key to Neal’s statement is that he says he’s heading “in the right direction.” He may not be certain he’ll be a full go for camp, but he’s getting there.
We’re months from training camp still, so an uncertain timetable isn’t the worst thing in the world. As long as he’s healthy to start the season, the Falcons defense should be fine.