Ailing Falcons practice without Jones, 3 other starters

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - The Atlanta Falcons returned to practice Wednesday tied for the lead in the NFC South and all banged up for the final month of the regular season.

Coming off a disheartening loss to Kansas City, the Falcons (7-5) hit the field without star receiver Julio Jones and two other starters who were injured against the Chiefs.

Jones is bothered by turf toe, left tackle Jake Matthews has a knee problem, and receiver Mohamed Sanu is slowed by a sore groin.

Defensive end Adrian Clayborn is out for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Rams and will likely miss several more weeks with a knee injury.

The Falcons already lost their best defender, cornerback Desmond Trufant, to a season-ending pectoral injury.