Falcons 1st-round pick Neal set for NFL debut

Reinforcements are on the way for a struggling Atlanta Falcons secondary.

First-round rookie safety Keanu Neal will make his NFL debut Monday night against the New Orleans Saints after sitting out the first two games of the year with a knee injury, head coach Dan Quinn announced Saturday.

Neal sustained the injury in Atlanta's third preseason game. Returning for the early season division showdown would put him in line with the three-to-four-week recovery timeline first disclosed, and the Falcons appear to have big plans for him right away.

Quinn told reporters the Florida product will play "a lot" against the high-powered Saints offense.

Neal's physicality as a downhill run defender could be particularly valuable for an Atlanta run defense that's surrendered a 27th-ranked 4.6 yards per carry through two weeks.