Will the Saints see the full dose of Julio Jones on Sunday after he was limited in his first game back from a toe injury?
Jones didn’t provide much insight into his injury, except to say that he expects to “feel better” this week than last. Jones played 39 offensive snaps (62 percent) in the victory at the Panthers on Sunday and had four catches for 60 yards on seven targets.
Jones had missed two games because of the toe injury. The Falcons said Jones practiced Thursday on a limited basis.
“He’s still getting back,” Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said Thursday. “He definitely wasn’t 100 percent (vs the Panthers). I think you could see that watching the tape. I think he knew that.
“But I think he’s gotten better this week, too, and I think he will continue to get better each week. No one is feeling great this time of year, but I definitely think he’s getting better as opposed to these past couple weeks.”
Falcons tight end Austin Hooper (knee) was the only player listed as out for practice Thursday.
Wide receiver Taylor Gabriel (foot) returned to practice on a limited basis after sitting out Wednesday. Coach Dan Quinn said Gabriel, the team leader in touchdown passes, with six, suffered a strain during the Panthers game.
“I’m anxious to take him through the next three days to see where it goes,” Quinn said. “I’m not concerned, but I want to make sure he goes through the whole process and looks great. He’s such a factor for us.”
The Falcons said three other players also practiced on a limited basis: cornerback Robert Alford (toe), guard Andy Levitre (hip) and safety Keanu Neal (ankle).
