Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones did not practice Wednesday as he continues to recover from the injured left hamstring that kept him out of last week's victory over the Carolina Panthers.
But the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Falcons coach Mike Smith would not rule Jones out of Sunday’s game vs. the Lions in Detroit.
"Julio is the kind of guy who is going to push the envelope," Smith said. "He wants to get back in there. We are going to have to make sure the people in the athletic performance department and the doctors make the final decision. … We'll just have to see how the rest of the week goes in terms of his availability for the game."
Jones, a rookie taken with the No. 6 overall pick in this year's NFL Draft, has 25 receptions for 358 yards. He has yet to catch a touchdown pass.
Notes: CB Chris Owens (concussion) has not been cleared. ... DE John Abraham (groin) and C Todd McClure (knee) had the day off as Smith has started his program to rest veterans. OG Garrett Reynolds (ankle) also was held out for precautionary reasons, according to Smith.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
