Julio Jones held out of pactice as calf injury lingers

Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones, who has a calf injury, did not practice on Friday.

Falcons coach Dan Quinn was hoping that Jones would practice in a limited fashion, but still expects him to play on Monday.

“He’s just not all the way ready to (put) all of the strength to go on it,” Quinn said. “He is a fast healer. He just wasn’t all the way ready to say he can take the normal load that he would.”

Wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (ankle) and defensive end Brooks Reed (shoulder) returned to practice. Wide receiver Justin Hardy (shoulder) and safety Keanu Neal (knee) were also limited in practice.

Reed suffered an injured shoulder against Tampa Bay and did not play against Oakland.

Also, linebacker De’Vondre Campbell (left ankle) and linebacker Paul Worrilow (groin surgery) did not practice.

Jone could be available for Saturday’s practice.

“I’ll tell you that I anticipate him participating in things (Saturday),” Quinn said.

The coach reiterated that he expects Jones to play against the Saints.

“Unless there’s a set back, which I don’t anticipate,” Quinn said. “He’s mentally into it. We want to make sure that when he’s ready to go, he can do his thing.”

Defensive end Dwight Freeney (not injury related), defensive tackle Ra’Shede Hageman (illness), safety Kemal Ishmael (shoulder) and defensive end Tyson Jackson (heel) fully participated in practice.

Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (elbow) was added to the injury report, but fully participated.

About the Author

Editors' Picks