Julio Jones’ Status for Week 14 vs. Los Angeles Rams
By John Follett
Julio Jones will be a game time decision on Sunday. Fantasy Football Owners of the Falcons top receiver are encouraged to read on.
Call it “intuition”, but the vibe from the Atlanta Falcons indicates Julio Jones will not see any significant action on Sunday in Los Angeles.
The Falcons’ top receiver has been “questionable” all week, but actions in Atlanta are speaking louder than words. As anticipated, Jones has not practiced all week and Mohamed Sanu has been ruled “out’ for Sunday vs. the Rams. This means Taylor Gabriel and Justin Hardy have taken all of this week’s first team reps.
At his Friday press conference, Dan Quinn stated that Julio Jones did take part in Thursday’s walk-through. The Falcons head coach tried his best to sound optimistic, but remained vague on the situation:
"“Sunday, we’ll go out and let him run some full speed routes, go through the process… we just want to see the full speed routes. That’s what the plan is – his intent is right to go and play. We are anticipating that, but we’ll see where it goes on Sunday morning.”"
Quinn’s optimism was definitely countered with the news Atlanta promoted receiver Nick Williams from the Practice Squad. The extra body means the Falcons are in full contingency planning mode.
A strong week of practice from Gabriel and Hardy inclines the Falcons to further rest Julio Jones. I believe Atlanta can win without their star receiver, but the pressure of a 7-5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers is evident. Still, I’ll go on a limb and project Julio Jones is already ruled “out” if Mohamed Sanu was healthy. What’s that tell us?
…Fantasy Football owners have to put Julio Jones on their bench.
It’s unusual to suggest this, but Fantasy Football owners have to put Julio Jones on their bench. Even if he’s active, I just can’t imagine Jones being anywhere near full strength. For what it’s worth, Blogging Dirty has already suggested that fantasy owners hit the waiver wire for Gabriel or Hardy.
Dan Quinn will weigh the risk of his best receiver potentially aggravating the injury with tougher opponents still ahead.
Let’s face it, the Rams just aren’t a good team. The game may end up closer than anticipated, but Atlanta has enough offensive firepower in Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman to take down the Rams. The Falcons really couldn’t ask for a better matchup in a week their best player needs rest and recuperation.