Wide receiver Julio Jones remained sidelined from practice Thursday, and starting cornerback Desmond Trufant returned to work in a limited role with an ankle sprain as the Falcons (5-9) continued preparing for Sunday’s game at Carolina (6-8).
Jones was hit in the ribs in last Sunday’s win over the Cardinals, and also injured a hip, which head coach Dan Quinn said Wednesday would keep him out of practice.
Also limited Thursday were defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (groin/shoulder), tight ends Austin Hooper (knee/ankle) and Logan Paulsen (knee/ankle) and linebacker Bruce Carter (thigh).
Jones participated in walk-throughs, but was the only player who did not practice.
“I’m day-to-day, so I’m getting better, working every day, doing everything I can to go Sunday,” he said “We’ve done this numerous times. I’ve been having progress.”
Jones has on several occasions in recent seasons missed a practice, two or even three -- mostly with feet issues -- and then played that weekend.
He declined to handicap his chances of playing against the Panthers.
“I don’t know. I can’t give you anything,” he said. “I’m just working every day, and we’ll see what happens on Sunday.”
