Keanu Neal Fantasy

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said that linebacker Keanu Neal tested positive for COVID-19 and is out for Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3. Neal is unvaccinated and was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Wednesday. The former safety has nine tackles (six solo) through the first two games (one start) of the season. Neal's absence hurts Dallas' linebacking depth heading into Monday night, but they also have Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch that can step up. Rookie Micah Parsons was moved to defensive end in the Week 2 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, but he may shift back to linebacker now that Neal has been ruled out.

Sep. 25th • 12:00 PM

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Keanu Neal was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Wednesday. It remains to be seen whether Neal can get cleared in time to play in his team's Week 3 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, although they play on Monday night so he has an extra day. Neal did not test positive for the virus but was considered a high-risk contact, which also helps him in his attempt to clear the league's protocol by Monday. The veteran defender ranks sixth on Dallas with eight tackles, including one for a loss.

Sep. 22nd • 9:46 PM

The Dallas Cowboys plan to move recently signed safety Keanu Neal to weakside linebacker in 2021, according to sources informed of the situation. Neal played five seasons at safety with the Atlanta Falcons. As a safety, he had a hard-hitting style and the ability to step up and stop the run, so he should transition nicely to linebacker. Neal will also reunite with Dan Quinn, who was the Falcons head coach during Neal's time there. He was a Pro Bowler in 2017 but missed all but four games from 2018-19 due to injuries. When healthy, Neal has had at least 100 tackles in each season he's played in at least 14 games. Leighton Vander Esch seems primed to serve as the middle linebacker, with Jaylon Smith potentially moving to the rushing role.

Mar. 22nd • 3:50 PM