Atlanta Falcons’ Kemal Ishmael ready to step in

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (TNS) — Atlanta Falcons strong safety Kemal Ishmael returned to practice after missing two weeks with a shoulder injury and found himself in a new starting role.

Prized rookie first-round pick Keanu Neal had knee surgery on Monday and Ishmael inherited his job. The team also signed veteran Dashon Goldson as an insurance policy for the position.

“It was good to get (Ishmael) back today,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. “He got into individuals. He did the group work. He did the walk-through today.”

Ishmael was drafted from Central Florida in the seventh round by the Falcons in 2013 and has been a dependable reserve and special teams player. He started 10 games in 2014 and five in 2015.

Neal hurt his knee Thursday in the third exhibition game against Miami. The Falcons are projecting he will miss three to four weeks and at least two regular season games.

Neal’s injury is a blow to Quinn’s plan to field a faster and more physical defense.

“(Ishmael) is a very bright player,” Quinn said. “He’s one of our better tacklers.”

Ishmael hurt his shoulder in the opening exhibition game against Washington on Aug. 11. He hasn’t played in the past two exhibition games and may not play against the Jaguars on Thursday at the Georgia Dome.

But the Falcons believe he’ll be ready for the season opener.

“What I can tell you is that the communication is on point,” Quinn said. “He’s really on to the details.”

While the Falcons have made it clear that Neal is their safety of the future, Ishmael is ready to keep his spot warm.

“There is no problem,” Ishmael said. “I’ve been in this position many times. It’s just something that’s ingrained in our defense. Once a guy goes down, we want to maintain that same standard.”

Ishmael will spend some time in preparation with free safety Ricardo Allen.

“I treat Ricardo like he’s my brother,” Ishmael said. “The guy is smart. He works hard and has the same values that I value. He’s an intense guy and he wants to go out there and smack people. You have to make plays to make the team better and that’s what we both have in common.”

The Falcons won’t change much with Ishmael in the lineup.

“We’re all excited that Kemal is on our team,” defensive passing game coordinator Jerome Henderson said. “He’ll go out and represent us and play well.”

Goldson, a former All-Pro player back in 2012, dressed for practice, but didn’t participate in the 11-on-11 sessions.

“He’s played a lot of football,” Quinn said. “I know his toughness. I’ve seen that. I know what his leadership is about. We are thrilled to have him be a part of the group.”

Goldson, 31, is a nine-year veteran and two-time Pro Bowl player with stops in San Francisco (2007-12), Tampa Bay (2013-14) and Washington (2015).

Goldson (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) played 15 games with Washington last season, butwas rated as the worst player at his position in the league by profootbalfocus.com.

He struggled in coverage and against the run, missing 12 tackles, including eight against the run.

But with Neal down, the Falcons opted for a veteran backup like they have in recent seasons. They had Charles Godfrey for part of 2014 and all of 2015 and Chris Hope in 2012. The team also has Damian Parms and Sharrod Neaseman on the roster.

“We are excited to add him into the mix,” Henderson said, “a quality veteran like that who’s been in some battles, who you know won’t panic, who will go in there and play with poise.”