Ishmael is not expected to be re-signed by the Falcons, D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 28-year-old has spent all seven of his NFL seasons as a member of the Falcons, initially joining the club as a seventh-round draft choice in 2013. Ishmael contributed primarily on special teams during the latter half of his run in Atlanta, but during 2014 he racked up a career-high 97 tackles, six pass deflections and four interceptions while making 10 starts on defense. This past season he made 14 appearances and started three games, while picking up 44 tackles and one forced fumble. Whatever team elects to sign him will be adding a versatile veteran to the roster, as Ishmael fielded substantial playing time at both safety and linebacker during his time in Atlanta.

Ishmael picked up 41 tackles, two tackles for loss, and a forced fumble across 14 appearances (including three starts) for the Falcons in 2019.

EDGE Analysis

The 28-year-old Ishmael has been a stalwart on Atlanta's game-day roster over the past six campaigns, averaging 15.2 appearances per season between 2014 and 2019. He saw an uptick in defensive involvement after Keanu Neal (Achilles) suffered a season-ending injury Sept. 22, fielding at least 37 snaps for Atlanta's defense in every game between Weeks 3 and 7. Ishmael averaged just 5.9 defensive snaps per game Weeks 8 through 17, but he remained one of the Falcons' more integral special-teams pieces during that span, garnering at least 63 percent of the special-teams playing time over his final six appearances of the year. The veteran now becomes an unrestricted free agent heading into the 2020 offseason.

Ishmael (concussion) is not listed on the Falcons' injury report for Tuesday, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

EDGE Analysis

All signs are pointing to Ishmael's availability for Thursday's game against the Saints. Assuming he continues symptom-free, he should provide depth in Atlanta's secondary.

Ishmael (concussion) was listed as a full participant on Monday's estimated injury report, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ishmael missed the last two games with the concussion but may be able to return for Thursday's matchup with New Orleans. However, the Falcons didn't actually practice Monday and the 28-year-old hasn't officially cleared the concussion protocol, so there's a chance he could miss another contest.

Ishmael (concussion) is ruled out for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ishmael will miss a second consecutive game while tending to a head injury. He plays a valuable rotational role in Atlanta's defense, providing depth at both safety and linebacker. Before retaking the field, Ishmael will need to fully clear the league's five-step concussion protocol.

Ishmael (concussion) did not participate during Wednesday's practice session, Jason Butt of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

A valuable rotational piece capable of lining up at both linebacker and safety, Ishmael missed his first game of 2019 when he sat out Atlanta's Week 11 matchup against the Panthers. He sustained a concussion during the Week 10 upset of the Saints, but, prior to that outing, he had fielded 30-plus percent of the Falcons' defensive snaps in each of the preceding six games. In order to suit up for a crucial Week 12 game against the Buccaneers, Ishmael first will have to clear the concussion protocol.

Ishmael (concussion) was ruled out for Sunday's game at Carolina, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ishmael suffered the concussion on kickoff coverage during last week's win over the Saints and was unable to practice this week. The 28-year-old will remain sidelined until he fully clears the concussion protocol. The potential return of CB Desmond Trufant (toe) looms large for Atlanta's injury-plagued secondary.

Ishmael (concussion) did not participate during practice Wednesday, Jason Butt of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ishmael sustained the concussion while running downfield on kickoff coverage late in the fourth quarter of Atlanta's Week 10 win against New Orleans, and popped up on the injury report to kick off the week of preparation for Carolina. Coach Dan Quinn has not yet spelled out Ishmael's expected recovery timeline, but he will have to pass the league's concussion protocol before returning to game action. Whether that comes in Week 11 remains up in the air, as Atlanta's defense prepares to take on a Kyle Allen-led Panthers offense that has been contained to 16 or fewer points over two of its past three games.

Ishmael made nine tackles (one solo) in Sunday's 24-10 loss to the Titans.

EDGE Analysis

The Falcons struggled against Marcus Mariota, allowing him to throw for 227 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. Nevertheless, Ishmael ended the contest with a decent stat line in his first start of the season in place of Keanu Neal (Achilles). There may be growing pains as Ishmael adjusts, but it appears he's filling in decently for now.

Ishmael is expected to start at strong safety with Keanu Neal (Achilles) out for the season, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Although the Falcons will likely look to free agency for additional depth or a possible starter, Ishmael looks set to start in Week 4's game versus the Titans. The 28-year-old made six solo tackles after Neal exited this past Sunday's game versus the Colts. His starting experience is limited, but he may have decent IDP value for the time being.