Julio Jones Illness: Updates on Falcons Star's Status and Return

Julio Jones missed two-straight days of practice as he battled an illness heading into Week 12, but he is available to play on Sunday.

Continue for updates.

Sunday, Nov. 23

Jones Active for Week 12

Jay Adams of AtlantaFalcons.com confirmed Jones' status on Sunday morning:

"

FALCONS INACTIVES
QB 12 - Sean Renfree
CB 23 - Robert Alford
LB 54 - Tyler Starr
T 64 - Jonathan Scott
T 65 - Cameron Bradfield
LB 97 - James Anderson
DT 98 - Cliff Matthews

"

Thursday, Nov. 20

Jones Misses Practice Again, Expected to Play

The Atlanta Falcons confirmed that Julio Jones missed practice once again with an illness:

Mike Smith later said he expects Jones to play, via Vaughn McClure of ESPN:

Wednesday, Nov. 19

Jones Misses Practice With Illness

Last year, the Atlanta Falcons were decimated by injury. This year, the team has been in better shape, but that may change as Julio Jones missed Wednesday's practice with an illness.

D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution had the news:

You can't overstate Jones' importance to the Falcons offense. Only Matt Ryan plays a more vital role in the unit's success. Potentially without his top target in the passing game, Ryan's bound to have a much more difficult time, thus affecting the entire team.

This season, Jones has 67 catches for 912 yards and three touchdowns through 10 games. 

The 25-year-old missed all but five games of the 2013 season after fracturing his foot. Perhaps not coincidentally, Atlanta finished the year 4-12. His absence only exacerbated the team's problems and threw it into a further tailspin.

Entering the prime of his career and with a clean bill of health, Jones' expectations were through the roof for this season. With Roddy White's slow decline, more pressure has been heaped upon the four-year veteran, thus making his absence that much more impactful.

While the team is only 4-6, it is currently atop the NFC South. Jones will be vital down the stretch to ensure a trip to the postseason.

If Jones misses any game action in Week 12 against the Browns, the Falcons could be in serious trouble. Tony Gonzalez isn't there to soften the blow, either.