Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones and running back Devonta Freeman are just fine with being held out of exhibition games.
Both are aiming for the regular-season opener against the defending Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, Sept. 6 at Lincoln Financial Field.
“I support him,” Jones said Wednesday of coach Dan Quinn’s decision to hold the non-injured player out of exhibition games. “We talked about it. I’m going to be ready to go. I’m getting plenty of reps and stuff like that in practice. I’m going against some great guys, too.”
Jones has a history of soft tissue injuries and the Falcons don’t want to risk another one in a meaningless game, when they know how the four-time Pro Bowler can perform.
Freeman suffered a knee injury late last season and the Falcons don’t see any reason to test it in an exhibition game.
Freeman is counting on practice to get him ready for the season.
“I feel like I have to bust my butt off every single day, no matter what, whether if I’m playing or not playing,” Freeman said. “My goal is to get better and make sure that I’m ready.”
The Falcons, like most teams, don’t live tackle in practice.
“I know that it is different with no contact, but I still envision everything,” Freeman said. “I run the ball like I’m about to get tackled. … When the game comes around, I’ll be ready.”
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