The Atlanta Falcons are coming off an encouraging 31-24 win over the Carolina Panthers last Sunday, but it had featured star wide receiver Julio Jones suffering a calf injury late in the contest.
This had led to Jones not participating in practice on Wednesday that drew some concerns about his availability for Week 3 action against the New Orleans Saints. The 29-year-old voiced on Thursday that the injury is not enough to impact him that should have him line to play, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
#Falcons WR Julio Jones said he’s fine and that his calf injury happened in game. He wasn’t sure if he’s practicing today though. pic.twitter.com/UdADSZTPM3
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) September 20, 2018
There shouldn't be any doubts that Jones will be forced out of action against the Saints as he has voiced no concern about the injury. It is something that the team will continue to monitor closely over the next few days in preparation for the second straight game against an NFC South opponent.
Jones has performed quite well in the first two games of the season that has seen him haul in 15 catches for 233 receiving yards that includes a huge outing in the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles where he had 10 catches for 169 receiving yards. There have once again been some notable issues still there offensively as the Falcons have struggled to get Jones the ball in the red zone as he has yet to notch a touchdown this year. This is a problem that has persisted since last season as he had just three touchdowns, which is his lowest mark since the 2013 campaign.
The Falcons will likely feature him heavily in the offensive game plan as one of the primary offensive factors, especially with New Orleans struggling ranking 29th against the pass while giving up five touchdown passes over that span. Granted, much of this came against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers there are some evident issues defensively that could work in Atlanta's favor.
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