Falcons Pro Bowl middle linebacker Deion Jones suffered a mild strain on Thursday and will not play in the exhibtion game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday, according to the team.

Also, kicker Matt Bryant, who has an undisclosed injury, will not play.

Wide receiver Julio Jones and running back Devonta Freeman will be held out of the game in a coaching decision. Neither player has an injury and both were held out of the exhibition opener against the Jets on Aug. 10.

With Freeman out and Tevin Coleman a known commodity, the Falcons are going to take a long look at fourth-round pick Ito Smith. They would like to see him get 8 to 10 carries and run the ball with some authority in their outside zone scheme.

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Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus (left) sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Minneapolis. (Bruce Kluckhohn/AP)

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com