Skip to content

Falcons expect Julio Jones to play Thursday vs. Saints

Tim Heitman / USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones is expected to play Thursday against the New Orleans Saints, despite a series of hamstring and toe injuries.

"From what we saw, he's doing good,'' Atlanta head coach Dan Quinn said Tuesday, according to ESPN's Vaughn McClure. "And we anticipate him playing for the game.''

Jones is off to a torrid start this season, recording 43 receptions for 545 yards and four touchdowns. Although he was deemed questionable Sunday against the Washington Redskins, Jones caught five passes for 67 yards.

"If I can go, I'm going to go,'' Jones said Tuesday when asked about his status. "I'm going to have to be really down bad not to go out there and play. If I feel like I'm putting myself in danger, as far as not being able to go out there and make defenders miss, then I won't go. If I feel like I can do that and help my team by going out there and drawing coverage and doing my job, I'm going to go.''

It was reported earlier Tuesday that Jones was likely a game-time decision. With his coach's optimism about his status, it seems increasingly likely the Falcons superstar will suit up.

In spite of his injuries, Jones feels his productivity won't be affected if he plays Thursday.

"The defense, they still have to respect me,'' Jones said. "They still have to put two guys on me."

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox