Wide receiver Julio Jones injured his ankle and missed 28 snaps Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, a factor in the Atlanta Falcons' first loss of the season.
The second-year pro skipped practice for the second day in a row Thursday and looms as a game-time decision against the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday, Falcons coach Mike Smith told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Smith also confirmed that linebacker Sean Weatherspoon missed practice with an ankle injury and, like Jones, is a game-time decision.
"These guys are so close and moving in the right direction that we'll make a determination as late as we possibly can," Smith said. "We can do it as late as we possibly can. They are working to get back. We are hoping that they'll continue to progress tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday morning."
Jones normally is involved in 90 percent of the snaps in the Falcons' offense, totaling 44 catches for 703 yards and five touchdowns on the season. His absence amounts to a tremendous loss for this pass-heavy offense, but Jones actually returned to finish the game against the Saints. That's an encouraging sign, and we expect him to suit up against the Cardinals.
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