Julio Jones had shown he’s regained his form during exhibition games but the first real test of his surgically-repaired left foot came during Sunday’s regular-season opener.
The Falcons wide receiver had seven catches for 116 yards in the 37-34 overtime victory against the Saints. Just as important, Jones said he had no issues with the foot in the aftermath.
“I don’t feel (any) pain at all,” Jones said.
Jones fractured the fifth metatarsal in the foot last October and had a cutting-edge surgery that involved transferring bone marrow from his hip to his foot to aid the healing process. Jones was on a limited practice schedule during training camp and played a total of 53 snaps during exhibition games.
That’s fewer plays than a typical game and the intensity is much greater for regular-season games. Jones credited Falcons coach Mike Smith, director of sports medicine Marty Lauzon and strength coach AJ Neibel for helping him prepare for the season.
“They did a great job in the off season getting the strength back and mentally working with me,” Jones said. “I feel great.”
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