Head coach Dan Quinn mentioned that Brian Poole may shift to safety with recent injuries to Keanu Neal (knee) and Ricardo Allen (Achilles), D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Falcons defense has been absolutely ravaged by injury just three weeks into the 2018 season, and the safety position is no exception. Poole is a versatile defensive back with ability to both cover out of the slot and rush the passer, meaning he may be the most sensible option for head coach Dan Quinn to shift from cornerback to safety. Atlanta has some flexibility at cornerback, where the team can potentially shuffle Robert Alford to nickelback and activate rookie Isaiah Oliver as a starter.

Poole compiled eight tackles and a pass deflection during Sunday's 43-37 overtime defeat at the hands of the Saints.

EDGE Analysis

Poole's stat line may look impressive in the box score, but he cost the Falcons on a number of occasions Sunday. The veteran nickelback was called for roughing-the-passer and horse-collar tackle penalties in key situations, also setting a de facto pick on teammate Robert Alford as the 39-year-old Drew Brees killed two birds with one stone -- thanks to a vicious spin move to help tie the game late in regulation. In Week 4, Poole and the Falcons secondary will square off with Andy Dalton and the Bengals' top-12 passing offense (274.7 yards per game).

Poole (ankle) was a full participant in Friday's practice, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

EDGE Analysis

Poole was limited throughout practice due to an ankle injury earlier this week, but appears to have fully recovered. With Keanu Neal (knee) already out for the season and Isaiah Oliver (ankle) questionable for Sunday's matchup, Poole's health is a piece of good news for Atlanta's depleted defense. Pool serves as the Falcons' most reliable nickleback, and serves as a solid pass-rushing option.

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

EDGE Analysis

The Falcons are razor thin in the secondary headed into Week 2 -- with Keanu Neal (knee) out for the season, and both Poole and Isaiah Oliver (ankle) limited in practice. Poole's presence in the starting lineup is crucial for Sunday's inter-division tilt against Carolina, as he is both Atlanta's most reliable nickelback as well as a sneaky-good pass rusher (led all cornerbacks with 11 quarterback pressures in 2016).

Poole recorded six tackles and one sack in Thursday's 18-12 victory over the Eagles.

EDGE Analysis

The Falcons don't ask Poole to blitz often, but the slot corner was able to sneak behind a stout Eagles offensive line to record one of the Falcons' two sacks of the day. He ultimately went on to finish second on the team in tackles, but considering he averaged just 3.9 tackles per game through his first two seasons, Poole may have difficulty sustaining this level of production going forward.

Poole will enter training camp Friday with the goal of holding off Isaiah Oliver and Damontae Kazee for the Falcons' nickelback role, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

EDGE Analysis

Since entering the league in 2016 as an undrafted free agent out of Florida, Poole has been the Falcons' primary option in defending the slot, with 121 tackles and 14 passes deflections over 31 regular-season games. The Falcons are deep at cornerback, having selected Colorado's Isaiah Oliver in the second round of the draft, while returning starters Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford look to defend the perimeter. Given the abundance of talent at the position it's probable that the 25-year-old Poole will be on the field for less than 53.5 percent of the defensive snaps, as he was in 2017.

Poole finished 2017 with 63 total tackles (49 solo) and one sack.

EDGE Analysis

Poole finished fifth on the team in tackles, which is impressive considering it's only his second year in the league. There are better IDP options on this Falcons defense, but Poole has been a model of consistency in his two years in the league, and he should continue to see plenty of tackle opportunities next season.

Poole (back) participated fully Wednesday and doesn't carry an injury designation for Thursday's game against the Saints.

EDGE Analysis

The Falcons once looked like they could be low on cornerback depth for the short week, but with Desmond Trufant clearing the NFL's concussion protocol and Poole showing improved health, the team will have all of its key secondary contributors in the fold. Look for Poole, who has collected 48 tackles and has broken up four passes in 11 games this season, to step back in as the Falcons' nickel cornerback following a one-game absence.

Poole (back) was listed as a limited practice participant on Monday's estimated practice report.

EDGE Analysis

The Falcons didn't actually hold practice Monday, but the fact that Poole would have been limited is somewhat encouraging given the short week the team is on. Poole was not listed on the injury report for Sunday's game against the Vikings, so his presence early on this week is likely just precautionary.

Poole (back) will not carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Vikings, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Poole sustained the back injury in last Sunday's win over Tampa Bay and did not practice Wednesday and Thursday, but his limited session Friday was apparently enough to avoid the questionable tag. The 25-year-old should be in line for an increased role against the Vikings with starting cornerback Desmond Trufant out with a concussion.