FLOWERY BRANCH — Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones will not play Sunday against the Carolina Panthers because of a hamstring injury. Jones leads a list of seven Falcons, all starters, who did not participate in Wednesday’s practice.
Jones, this year’s first-round draft pick, left Sunday’s game against the Packers after suffering the injury to his left hamstring. Jones was on the practice field working with trainers Wednesday, an encouraging sign according to coach Mike Smith.
“We are hoping that after this week we will get him back the following week,” Smith said.
Harry Douglas will start in place of Jones. Smith said a rotation will include Eric Weems and Kerry Meier.
The other players held out were defensive end John Abraham (groin), Tony Gonzalez (left elbow), safety William Moore (left shoulder), center Todd McClure (right knee), defensive back Christopher Owens (concussion) and right guard Garrett Reynolds (ankle).
Abraham, who missed Sunday’s game against the Packers, originally was listed with a hip injury. Smith said this week’s injury report would reflect a groin injury.
Abraham has a history of groin problems. He played in only eight games in 2006 with groin and abdomen issues. Abraham played in all 16 games the next three seasons. He missed only one game last season, a November game against the Rams.
McClure also missed the game against the Packers after aggravating the knee that required surgery earlier this season.
Defensive tackle Johnathan Babineaux (knee), defensive end Cliff Matthews (hamstring), safety James Sanders (hamstring) and wide receiver Roddy White (knee) were limited in practice.
Edwards improving
Defensive end Ray Edwards acknowledged that he has been slowed by knee surgery that he had during the lockout.
“It’s getting better and better each week, and it’s starting to show in my play,” said Edwards who recorded his first sack against Green Bay.
Also, Edwards, who was signed to a six-year, $30 million contract, had to ease into a new role. With Minnesota he rushed solely from left end. The Falcons flip-flop their ends depending on the matchups, so he’s played some left and right end.
“I’ve adjusted,” Edwards said. “Actually, my first sack came from the right side. I definitely have adjusted to it, and I’ll continue to do what the coaches are asking me to do.”
Second-half woes
The Falcons have been outscored 61-13 in the third quarter this season.
Running back Michael Turner said Wednesday the team has not come out for the second half with the same energy of which it started the game.
“Probably coming out flat,” Turner said. “We need to come out with that same energy, that same fight we do at the beginning of the game.”
Stopping Newton
The Falcons are aware of the elusive nature of Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. His ability to extend plays will put added stress all three levels of the defense, according to Smith. Lineman will need to contain Newton while linebackers may have to cover farther down the field and the secondary will have to stay with receivers longer.
“That was an emphasis starting today to our guys, you are going to have to cover longer,” Smith said. “This is a guy that has shown in the first five games that he can extend plays. There is that fine line when you come out of coverage.”
The Panthers lead the NFL in explosive plays of 20 yards or longer.
Etc.
The Falcons will wear throwback uniforms Sunday against the Panthers, with red helmets and the former logo. ... The Falcons’ defense ranks 30th in the NFL in third-down efficiency. Opponents are converting on third down with a 46.3 percent success rate.
Staff writer D. Orlando Ledbetter contributed to this article.
