Julio Jones Injury: Updates on Falcons WR's Hamstring and Return

Julio Jones gave the Atlanta Falcons a scare with an injury to his hamstring, but ultimately would not miss time with the ailment.

Continue for updates.

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Jones Active for Week 5

Thursday, Oct. 15

Jones wasn't among the team's inactives in their Thursday night matchup with the New Orleans Saints, per Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com.

Head coach Dan Quinn told Tracy Wolfson of CBS Sports that Jones will play and "will not be on a pitch count." Quinn added Jones feels better than he did in Week 5.

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Breaking Down Jones' Importance to Falcons

Jones, arguably the NFL's top receiver, has been one of Atlanta's most valuable receivers throughout his career but especially since the start of last season. He had a career-high 104 catches for 1,593 yards and six touchdowns in 2014. 

Right before the 2015 season started, the Falcons rewarded Jones with a five-year, $71.25 million contract. The 26-year-old is off to another fantastic start, validating Atlanta's faith in him and helping the team look like a serious playoff contender in the NFC.     

However, the Falcons can't afford to lose Jones because the rest of their receiving corps has left a lot to be desired. Roddy White's age is showing at 33, and Leonard Hankerson is a good big-play threat but lacks consistency. Hankerson is also dealing with a rib injury suffered against the Washington Redskins.

Atlanta has been better on offense this season thanks to the emergence of Devonta Freeman at running back. That added dimension has taken pressure off quarterback Matt Ryan, which has opened things up for the Falcons to play their best football since 2012.