Keanu

Neal

Neal made the announcement on Instagram. The 29-year-old was released by the Steelers in March of 2024 and didn’t play during the previous season. A 2016 first-round selection, Neal was a Pro Bowler in 2017, but injuries caused him to miss the majority of the 2018 and 2019 seasons. The Florida product was able to put together a couple decent campaigns after, but never quite at the same level. He ends his career with 361 tackles, four interceptions and eight forced fumbles.

Neal spent one season with the Steelers and has now played for four different teams over the last four years. After totaling 50 tackles, one interception, and one forced fumble for the Steelers over nine games, Neal was released with a failed physical designation. Set to turn 29 before the start of the 2024 campaign; Neal should eventually land elsewhere on a one-year deal but shouldn’t be counted on as a key contributor.

Fitzpatrick has been dealing with the hamstring issue for a few weeks and looks likely to miss another game because of the issue. The Steelers were also without fellow safety Keanu Neal for Wednesday’s practice. Neal took a hard fall onto the ball in Week 10 but told reporters he was okay after the game. Neal still has a shot at suiting up as long as he returns to practice at some point this week.

The longtime Falcon has become something of a journeyman, as Pittsburgh will be his fourth team in four years. A hybrid safety/linebacker, Neal’s versatility is the main thing keeping him around at this point, though he spent nearly all of his 2022 playing safety. He seems like a good bet to make the Steelers’ 53-man roster.

Neal, 27 in July, was the 17th overall pick in the 2016 draft by the Falcons and spent five years in Atlanta before following Dan Quinn to Dallas last offseason where he played linebacker. Neal is expected to move back to safety under coach Todd Bowles in Tampa Bay, but he can function at both positions. He’ll likely slide in at strong safety next to Antoine Winfield.

He was ruled out on Friday, and the Cowboys will be down a nickelbacker. Also inactive for the Cowboys are CB Nashon Wright, CB Maurice Canady, WR Simi Fehoko, C Matt Farnick, and DT Quinon Bhanna. Tony Pollard and Tyron Smith are active.

Neal’s return likely had something to do with the Cowboys releasing LB Jaylon Smith Tuesday night. Neal played 74% of the defensive snaps the first two weeks before missing the last two contests on the COVID list.

It’s a hit to the Cowboys’ defense, as Neal has played 74% of defensive snaps through the first two weeks. Neal, who is unvaccinated, will be shut down for the next 10 days, putting his Week 4 status in doubt.

Making the switch from safety in Atlanta to linebacker in Dallas, Neal has been in on 74% of the defensive snaps through two weeks. It’s unlikely he’ll be cleared in time for Week 3 against the Eagles, though Neal does get an extra day with the teams kicking off Monday night.

Neal will likely play the weak-side, joining Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith in the Cowboys’ base defense. He’s spent his first five years as a box safety, posting at least 100 tackles in the three seasons he’s been healthy. Moving Neal to linebacker will allow the Cowboys to keep 2019 sixth-rounder Donovan Wilson at strong safety.