Falcons All-Pro wide receiver Julio Jones (sprain toe) will not play against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, coach Dan Quinn said Friday.
Also, safety Kemal Ishmael (shoulder surgery) was placed on injured reserve and rookie wide receiver J.D. McKissic was called up from the practice squad.
“He’s just been such a battler for us,” Quinn said of Ishmael. “He started games at safety and games at linebacker. He’s just been a real factor on special teams. He is a tough, tough competitior.”
Wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (groin) is expected to play against the 49ers. He did not play last week against the Rams.
In addition to Jones, defensive end Adrian Clayborn (knee), cornerback Jalen Collins, safety Robenson Therezie (ankle) and wide receiver Nick Williams (concussion) will be out against the 49ers.
“The guys worked hard, but just weren’t able to get back,” Quinn said.
Ishmael, a valuable reserve and special-teams player, played 310 defensive snaps (34.1 percent) and helped the team through a rash of injuries at the linebacker spot.
Sharrod Neaseman will take over Ishmael’s roles on special teams.
With Collins out, cornerbacks C.J. Goodwin and Deji Olatoye will split his playing time.
Practice-squad quarterback Matt Simms did a good job in practice simulating 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s mobility.
“It’s a challenge, the speed that Kap plays with,” Quinn said.
The Falcons are tied for first place in the NFC South with Tampa Bay.
“It’s been a good week for our team, with the mindset, the attitude and the focus to get better,” Quinn said.
