It was another day without Julio Jones.
The Falcons star receiver did not participate in practice Thursday with three days remaining until the NFC South showdown at the Saints. Jones, out with a hip injury, has not practiced this week after missing Sunday’s game against the Steelers with the injury. Jones was hurt late in last week’s loss at the Packers and did not return.
Falcons coach Mike Smith has said this week he anticipates Jones being ready to play Sunday.
“I talk to him every day,” wide receiver Roddy White said of Jones. “He is doing what he’s got to do. He’s getting treatment every day, trying to get better, trying to move around and see if he can go on Sunday. If he doesn’t go (Devin Hester, Harry Douglas), me, (Eric Weems), we’ve got to be ready to go. I’m not too concerned. If he can play, he’s going to play. If not, the guys who are going are going to have to be ready to play.”
Guard Jon Asamoah (back) was the other Falcons player not to participate in practice.
Safety William Moore (foot), White (knee) and Douglas (foot) were all limited participants.
Moore also missed Sunday’s game against the Steelers due to the injury. It appears he will be available this week.
“Tomorrow I will be able to move around a lot,” Moore said. “We are just being safe with it. … I feel excellent. It’s up to the training staff and coach. They know where I’m at. I told them I’m excellent. They can only go by my word. I just want to go out there 100 percent and do what I do.”
Moore said he is not in any pain.
“Even if I’m 70 (percent), I’m willing to go. Right now I feel excellent. … This is it, for all the marbles. Ain’t no reason to sit back and watch. My team needs me. This is what I play the game for, for opportunities in December.”
White said he will be ready for Sunday’s game.
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