Julio Jones is out for the season. This is a reality that might not set in until the Tampa Bay game a week from Sunday when the explosive playmaker is not on the field, but it is something that the team has already had to factor into the game plan and remaining schedule. Jones injured his foot in the Falcons 30-28 Monday night loss to the New York Jets. The injury was reported after the game as an “unspecified foot injury”. Jones hauled in eight catches for 99 yards in the loss and was off to a career pace with 41 receptions for 580 yards and two touchdowns in Atlanta’s first five games. The former Alabama wideout also leads the League with 248 yards after the catch and has contributed to 29 percent of the Falcons total yardage this season. In a press conference Tuesday afternoon, Mike Smith first addressed the injury.
“Julio injured his foot last night. He saw our doctors this morning…,” said Smith on Tuesday. “He is going to have a second opinion tomorrow [Wednesday].”
While the city and franchise hoped to receive good news, the outcome remained the same and the Falcons confirmed Wednesday that the pro bowl wideout will sit the rest of the year and Dr. James Andrew will perform the procedure on Monday.
The devastating news did not end with Jones. Starting receiver Roddy White has been battling an ankle injury all season, and left Monday’s game in the second half with a hamstring injury that will likely sideline him for a handful of games. In Week 4’s home loss to the Patriots, the dependable starter set a franchise record with 104 consecutive games with at least one reception, passing Alfred Jenkins record of 103 set between 1975 and 1983. White’s current 105 consecutive games with a reception streak appears to be over when Atlanta faces the Buccaneers next week.
Smith acknowledged the sudden lack of depth at the position, “Harry [Douglas] will be asked to step up and if we have to make a roster move we will look at all options that are available to us there.”
Loading ...
