Julio Jones Injury: Updates on Falcons Star's Foot and Return

Atlanta Falcons wideout Julio Jones suffered a foot injury during the fourth quarter and did not return to the team's 36-20 NFC Divisional Round win over the Seattle Seahawks on Jan. 14. However, he is ready to play.

Continue for updates. 

Jones Active vs. Packers

Sunday, Jan. 22 

The Falcons announced that Jones was available against Green Bay on Sunday. Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reported Jones has two ligament injuries in his toe and another injury in his mid-foot. Glazer added that Jones is "dealing [with] a lot of pain."

Jones Comments on Playing Status

Friday, Jan. 20 

When asked about his injury after Thursday's practice, Jones told reporters: "It’s fine. I will be ready to go."

Latest on Jones' Practice Status

Friday, Jan. 20

Jones was limited in practice on Friday after being held out the previous two days, per Vaughn McClure of ESPN.

Quinn Comments on Jones' Status

Wednesday, Jan. 18

Jones did not practice on Wednesday, but head coach Dan Quinn said that is "by design" and that Jones will practice later in the week, per Lindsay Jones of USA Today.

Quinn told reporters on Jan. 16 Jones will be limited during the week but will be available against the Packers.

On Jan. 14, Quinn said there is "no concern" regarding Jones' injury and that he could have returned to the game if needed, per Tom Pelissero of USA Today. 

Jones Will Be Vital for Expected Offensive Battle with Packers

Jones nearly made history in 2015. He and Antonio Brown each finished with 136 receptions, tying for the second-highest total in a single season. Jones also stands alone in second place after recording 1,871 receiving yards in 2015.

While the four-time Pro Bowler didn't set nearly the same pace in 2016, he remains one of the best receivers in the league. He finished with 83 receptions for 1,409 yards and six touchdowns in 14 games.

Quarterback Matt Ryan is the most important member of Atlanta's offense, but Jones is a close second. Although the Falcons still have potent playmakers in Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman, their receiving corps is depleted without Jones.

If Jones is unable to handle a full workload, it would put a lot of pressure on Mohamed Sanu, who hasn't lived up to expectations after signing for five years and $32.5 million in the offseason. Beyond Sanu, neither Justin Hardy nor Taylor Gabriel has a strong NFL track record.