Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones will play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints despite a hip injury that caused him to miss practice all week, according to Albert Breer of NFL Network. Jones participated only in the walkthrough Saturday and was listed as questionable for Week 16, but after going through pregame workouts, the team's top receiver is ready to go.
Julio Jones will play vs. Saints
The Falcons’ leading receiver will give it a go in an important NFC South matchup.
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Jones, 25, suffered the injury against the Green Bay Packers in Week 14 and left the game in the fourth quarter. Even with his early departure, Jones managed to set a franchise record for receiving yards in a game, racking up 259 yards on 11 receptions, including a 22-yard touchdown grab. He leads the team with 1,428 yards this season.
The hip injury kept Jones out of the lineup against the Pittsburgh Steelers last week. Though the Falcons lost, Harry Douglas stepped up in Jones' absence for a game-high 131 yards on 10 receptions. The team will monitor his pain tolerance, per Breer, but getting Jones back in time for a division matchup is huge. Atlanta is still in the NFC South race, and with a win on the road against the Saints, the Falcons would keep their postseason hopes alive and likely set up a Week 17 showdown against the Carolina Panthers for the division.
See More:
