Falcons vs. Browns 2016 live stream: Start time, TV schedule and how to watch online

After a Week 1 preseason win over Washington in which the starters saw almost no playing time, the Atlanta Falcons will travel to Cleveland and take on the Browns Thursday night. Atlanta fans will get their first look at first-round pick Keanu Neal, who missed last week’s game with a trunk injury, as well as Dwight Freeney, the veteran edge rusher the Falcons signed midway through training camp.

Starters on both teams should get more extensive playing time on Thursday, and Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III presents a unique challenge for a Falcons defense that has consistently struggled to bring pressure on opposing quarterbacks. This is part of the reason they acquired Freeney, and everyone is waiting to see what, if any, difference he will make.

Dan Quinn, speaking to the media following the Falcons’ final day of training camp Tuesday, said he expects Freeney to get about a quarter of playing time, and he’ll be used on third downs and in the team’s nickel package.

The Falcons will also hope to see a stronger performance from their first-team offense with extended play. Matt Ryan was barely on the field, but he completed zero of four pass attempts, clearly something the team would like to see improve.

Center Alex Mack is one of the newer additions to that offense, and this marks the first time in his pro career that he’s had to face off against his former teammates. Mack was a necessary upgrade for the Falcons, after a season of converted guard Mike Person at center, and Mack will return to face his former team in Cleveland after opting out of the final year of his contract with the Browns to hit free agency.

The Browns are dealing with a bit of drama as the team has decided to suspend and fine nickel cornerback K’waun Williams for violating team rules. Williams suffered an ankle injury and decided to hold himself out of preseason action against the Packers in Week 1, and the team was unimpressed with his decision to the point that his future with the Browns may be uncertain.

After Williams got a second opinion on his ankle, his agent told Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com that the corner needs surgery and would appeal the suspension and fine.

Williams has been the team’s starting nickel for two seasons, and his absence creates an opportunity for Jamar Taylor to solidify his place in that role. Rumors abound that Taylor was poised to overtake this role anyway, and that’s part of the reason for the drama with Williams. Taylor should get some opportunities to show what he can do against the Falcons.

All eyes will, of course, be on Robert Griffin III as he gets a little more time on the field with his new teammates in Cleveland. Griffin had a fine debut in Week 1 against the Packers, completing four of his eight passes for 67 yards and one pick. Josh Gordon is unlikely to make his return to the football field against the Falcons, but he did participate in practice this week for the first since serving a yearlong suspension. Gordon, who led the NFL in receiving yards three years ago, was reinstated last month and still has a four-game suspension to start the season.

On the other hand, first-round wide receiver Corey Coleman could make his debut for the Browns. Coleman missed the first preseason game with a hamstring injury, but he returned to practice this week.

For the Browns, one other area to watch is the offensive line. With the departure of Mack and Mitchell Schwartz in free agency, the Browns’ line is bound to have some growing pains -- and they did against the Packers. Perhaps the pass rush-deficient Falcons will actually be able to take advantage of it.

When: 8 p.m. ET

Where: FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

TV: CW69 Atlanta, ABC5 Cleveland

Announcers: Randy Waters, Coy Wire (Falcons); Mike Patrick, Solomon Wilcots (Browns)

Online: NFL Game Pass