Julio Jones Injury: Updates on Falcons Star's Toe and Return

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones is dealing with a toe injury and hasn't played since Week 13. However, he has been cleared to return.

Continue for updates. 

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Jones Active vs. Panthers

Saturday, Dec. 24

The Falcons announced that Jones will be available against Carolina on Saturday.

Falcons head coach Dan Quinn told reporters on Thursday that Jones would play.

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Quinn Comments on Jones' Injury

Wednesday, Dec. 14

Quinn discussed Jones' toe injury in an interview on Atlanta's 92.9 The Game (h/t McClure):

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Julio has a toe sprain, it's not turf toe. But he does have a toe sprain. For him, we're going to take him day to day. He'll maybe do some of the walkthrough today, but he won't participate in the full-team activity at practice. So, he's still dealing with that sprain. It's definitely improving. But in terms of full-speed cutting on it, we're not there yet.

"

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Falcons Need Jones Healthy for Playoff Push

After the Falcons made him the sixth overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft, Jones' talent has rarely been in question. When he's on the field, he's one of the best wide receivers in the league. However, staying on the field has been a problem for the 27-year-old star.

Only twice in six years has Jones played a full season. During his time in the NFL, he has missed a combined 16 games. Even in 2015, when he had his best season and played all 16 games, he dealt with a hamstring issue.

Despite that, Jones finished with league highs in receptions (136) and receiving yards (1,871) and caught eight touchdowns.

The Falcons made signing Mohamed Sanu a priority in the offseason, but his arrival didn't address their longstanding need to find a strong No. 2 wideout behind Jones.

Though Taylor Gabriel has been a pleasant surprise this season, the Falcons are undoubtedly happy to have Jones in the lineup as the postseason rapidly approaches.