Falcons WR Julio Jones ‘Ready To Go’ For Season Opener Against Bucs

USA Today

The Atlanta Falcons had a little scare during the NFL preseason. Star wide receiver Julio Jones suffered an ankle injury potentially threatening his status for the team’s season opener against the division rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Fortunately for Atlanta, Jones is reportedly ready for Week 1, according to Vaughn McClure of ESPN.

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones, coming off an ankle injury, is fully “ready to go” in Sunday’s season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, coach Dan Quinn said Friday.

Jones said the following about his status for Week 1 against the Bucs, via McClure.

“Really, he was feeling good yesterday and today,” Quinn said after Friday’s practice. “It was just an important part to stay true to the process of getting back where he’s healthy and feeling right, make sure that he got the right stuff that he needs for the plays to make that connection between him and Matt [Ryan] feel right. He had a good week, and he’s ready to go.”

With Jones back on the field, the Falcons will have one of the best offensive weapons in the game against an improved Bucs squad led by second-year quarterback Jameis Winston. Jones had an incredible season last year catching 136 passes for a league-leading 1,871 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.

Although Jones is solely focused on winning this season, the veteran wideout could be the first NFL receiver to crack the 2,000-yard mark. Jones devoted to turning the Falcons around and coming out on top in the NFC South, but making history may also be on his mind as he is preparing for another campaign with Matt Ryan and company.

As for Friday, the Falcons are -2.5 favorites at home against the visiting Buccaneers, according to Week 1 odds at Sportsbook.ag. Atlanta may currently have the better team on paper with proven stars like Ryan and Jones, but Winston’s group is on the rise and could pull off the upset on the road.