The Falcons are hoping that star wide receiver Julio Jones (toe) will return to play against the Panthers on Saturday.
Coach Dan Quinn said Monday that Jones is schedule to participate in the team’s light practice session on Tuesday. If Jones is able to do so, Quinn said Jones then would test the injury during Wednesday’s full-speed practice and, if that goes well, increase his repetitions for the final full practice of the week on Thursday.
“We are hopeful for that but it’s going to be a matter of him (responding well) when you get out and run full speed,” Quinn said.
Jones has missed the past two games after he suffered the injury during the loss to the Chiefs on Dec. 4. Jones hasn’t practiced since then.
Quinn said starting cornerback Jalen Collins (knee) also will test his injury on Wednesday. He didn’t play against the 49ers on Sunday after suffering the injury the previous week.
Quinn said the knee injury suffered on Sunday by Falcons tight end Austin Hooper “is not a long-term” issue.
“We are hopeful to have him back sooner (rather) than later so that’s good news for us,” Quinn said.
Hooper has been the primary tight end since Jacob Tamme suffered an injury in Week 8 that eventually forced him to be placed on injured reserve.
The Falcons likely will be without starting linebacker De’Vondre Campbell (concussion) against the Panthers after he left the 49ers game. Campbell will have to complete a five-step process before he is allowed to return to full football activities and it’s rare for players to be cleared for the following game.
Three other Falcons players missed the 49ers game because of injuries: defensive end Adrian Clayborn (knee), safety Robenson Therezie (ankle) and wide receiver Nick Williams (concussion). The Falcons will update their status when they release their first official injury report of the week on Wednesday.
