Neal (undisclosed) is sidelined for Thursday's game in Miami, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Neal wasn't expected to play Thursday after apparently suffering a right leg strain. Sharrod Neasman is expected to see increased reps while Neal remains sidelined.

Neal (undisclosed) isn't expected to play in Thursday's preseason opener against the Dolphins, ESPN's Vaughn McClure reports.

Analysis: Little is known of Neal's injury other than that he's dealing with a "strain" of some kind, though D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution noted that Neal was holding his left arm awkardly during pregame warmups. Look for Sharrod Neasman to start in Neal's absence Thursday.

Neal (ankle) has returned to Saturday's game against the Panthers, ESPN's Vaughn McClure reports.

Analysis: Neal's return is a boon to the Falcons defense both in the passing game and in run support. He injured his ankle early in the first half, but only missed a minimal amount of time before getting back on the field.

Neal (ankle) is questionable to return to Saturday's game against the Panthers, D. Orlando Ledbetter of the AJC reports.

Analysis: If Neal is unable to return Saturday, it'd be a significant blow to the Falcons' defense given that the rookie leads the team in tackles. More information on Neal's status figures to be made available closer to halftime of Saturday's contest. In the meantime, Sharrod Neasman will take up Neal's post at strong safety.

Neal collected 11 tackles and defended a pair of passes in Sunday's win against the 49ers.

Analysis: Neal has piled up at least eight tackles in nine of his last 11 games, and he's averaging eight stops on the season. He's also forced four fumbles this season, making him an extremely productive IDP option at the safety position.

Neal forced a fumble and posted eight tackles Sunday against the Eagles.

Analysis: Neal is up to four forced fumbles on the season, and he's also recorded at least eight tackles in every game since Week 1. He's now averaging eight tackles per contest, and along with his big-play ability, he's an outstanding option at safety in IDP leagues.

Neal registered nine tackles Sunday against the Chargers.

Analysis: Neal continued his outstanding rookie season by recording at least eight tackles for the fourth straight contest. In addition, he's forced a pair of fumbles and defended two passes on the season, making him an excellent IDP option at the defensive back position.

Neal (knee) logged a full practice Friday, and is on track to play Sunday against the Chargers.

Analysis: Neal was limited during Thursday's practice, but was able to participate without restriction Friday. He figures to start at strong safety again in Sunday's contest.

Neal forced a fumble and recorded 10 tackles Sunday against the Seahawks.

Analysis: After recording a season-high 10 tackles, Neal is now averaging nine tackles over his last three contests. In addition, he's now forced fumbles in each of the last two weeks, and the rookie is proving to be an excellent playmaker for the Falcons. This may be one of the last opportunities to acquire him in IDP leagues if he's not already owned.

Neal forced a fumble while recording eight tackles Sunday against the Broncos.

Analysis: After making his NFL debut in Week 3, Neal has come on strong his last two matchups, as he's recorded 17 tackles along with a forced fumble. The Falcons' 2016 first-round pick already appears to be paying dividends, and he's worth a flyer in IDP leagues as a defensive back in the hopes he'll maintain or improve upon his recent production.

Neal (knee) wasn't among the Falcons' inactives and will thus make his professional debut Monday at New Orleans.

Analysis: After a month of diligent rehabilitation, the Falcons' 2016 first-round pick will don the pads in his first regular season game. It's unclear if he'll usurp Kemal Ishmael as the starting strong safety off the bat, but Neal will nonetheless bolster what has so far ranked as the ninth-worst pass defense in terms of yards per game (290).

Head coach Dan Quinn declared Neal (knee) will make his NFL debut on Monday night, ESPN reports.

Analysis: Atlanta's first-round selection has been sidelined since going under the knife near the end of the preseason. Although now officially active, Neal will likely be playing under a snap restriction for at least this week.

Neal (knee) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Neal underwent knee surgery a week before the regular season got underway, but now appears that he is ready to return to the field. The first-round pick is questionable for Week 3's matchup in New Orleans. Expect the coaching staff to monitor Neal heavily if he is allowed to play, as they would hate to have their promising rookie's injury progress to worse state.