Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones, running back Steven Jackson and fullback Patrick DiMarco missed practice on Thursday because of illness, coach Mike Smith said.
Smith said he expects all three starting players will play on Sunday against the Browns.
Jones also sat out Wednesday’s practice. Smith said he expects Jones to return to practice on Friday.
“If for some unforeseen reason he (doesn’t practice), Julio will play on the game on Sunday,” Smith said.
Falcons wide receiver Roddy White said Jones has been missed on the practice field.
“It’s been kind of difficult,” White said. “Going through plays and stuff, we’ve got people moving around. He’s just got to get healthy. He’s going through the flu bug so we’ve just got to get him right and get him ready on Sunday.”
Falcons starting safety William Moore (shoulder) said he’s on schedule to be cleared for contact work next week. Moore, who has missed six games with the injury, started practicing on Wednesday and is eligible to play against the Cardinals on Nov. 30.
Before Thursday’s practice, Moore caught balls while diving and landing on the injured shoulder. He said he hasn’t felt pain for several weeks.
“The good part is I stayed mentally sharp and did my best to stay physically sharp,” Moore said. “It’s going to be interesting to get out there and have contact for the first time. That’s what we are looking to see is how my shoulder holds up to contact.”
Cornerback Robert Alford (wrist) is expected to miss the next two games. Offensive lineman Jonathan Scott (hamstring) also missed practice on Thursday.
The Falcons said wide receiver Harry Douglas (foot) practiced on a limited basis on Thursday.
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