Julio noncommittal on playing in Week 1 without new deal

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones refused to commit to playing in Sunday's season opener without a new contract.

"I don’t know," Jones said Thursday when asked if he'll definitely suit up against the Minnesota Vikings, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "What I'm trying to do is be ready. You know what I mean. It's not if I'm going to play or if I'm not going to play. I'm trying to be out there regardless.

"I'm coming back from injuries and things like that, but the ultimate thing is being ready when my number is called."

Jones later clarified he "plans on playing" against the Vikings when asked a follow-up question about his status by Jason Butt of The Athletic.

Atlanta and Jones have been negotiating an extension, which is widely expected to be a record for a receiver, for most of the summer.

On Tuesday, Falcons owner Arthur Blank said both parties are "very, very close" to a new deal.