Julio Jones entered Sunday as a game-time decision for the Atlanta Falcons, but his status against the Chicago Bears has been revealed. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Jones won't play versus the Bears due to his lingering hamstring injury.
Now official: Falcons’ WR Julio Jones is out for today’s game against the Chicago Bears due to his lingering hamstring injury.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 27, 2020
Jones suffered the hamstring injury while he was attempting to make a catch against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2. It was evident that the hamstring issue hindered him as he finished with only two receptions for 24 yards in Atlanta's heartbreaking loss to the Cowboys.
The loss of Jones should not be understated for the Falcons as they hope to avoid an 0-3 start to begin the 2020 season. Before suffering the injury in Week 2, Jones managed to record nine receptions for 157 yards in Week 1 versus the Seattle Seahawks.
With Julio Jones set to be sidelined on Sunday, Calvin Ridley will assume the role as the No. 1 wide receiver for the Falcons. Statistically speaking, Ridley has already been the go-to wideout for Matt Ryan through the first two weeks. The former first-round pick has compiled 16 receptions for 239 yards and four touchdowns in Atlanta's first two games.
Besides Ridley, the Falcons could elect to lean a bit more on Russell Gage, who's performed well as the No. 3 option in the passing attack. In addition to Gage, offseason acquisitions, Hayden Hurst and Todd Gurley, could both see more usage in the offense in Week 3.
Common sense says that beginning a season with an 0-3 record can make it tougher to make the postseason — even in an expanded playoff. While Atlanta attempts to secure their first win against the Bears, they'll be sans Jones at wide receiver.
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