Julio Jones. (Getty)
Atlanta Falcons star wide receiver Julio Jones made six catches for 67 yards and a touchdown in his team’s 36-20 divisional playoff victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday, but it’s what happened late in the game that might make Atlanta fans pay attention to Jones over the next week.
Jones left the game late with a foot injury, and was listed as questionable to return by the team. He did not return to the game, but at that point the Falcons were comfortably ahead.
The Falcons seem confident that Jones will be available for the upcoming NFC Championship game despite the fact that Jones didn’t return to the game.
#Falcons coach Dan Quinn says "no concern" over Julio Jones' foot injury. Could've come back in if needed.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 15, 2017
Jones practiced fully last week despite a toe injury, and it’s further uncertain whether or not this foot injury is related to that toe. On Monday, Vaughn McClure of ESPN reported that Jones would be limited in practice this week but the team expects him to be fully available for Sunday’s game.
If Atlanta should face the Green Bay Packers at home without Jones, they would be without a player who collected 83 passes for 1,409 yards and six touchdowns during the regular season. In addition to his own production, Jones helps the Atlanta offense by demanding the opposition’s best coverage, creating opportunities for his teammates.
