Julio Jones Injury: Updates on Falcons Star's Week 6 Status and Fantasy Value

Julio Jones has yet to find the end zone in his young NFL career, but he is starting to put it together.

The rookie wide receiver was coming off two straight 100-yard receiving games prior to last night's loss to the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers, and the Falcons need him to keep it up.

Unfortunately, he left the game injured last night and did not return. He had only one catch for 16 yards on four targets before leaving. Of the four, two were overthrown balls.

The injury to his hamstring could mean a number of things, and coach Mike Smith didn't offer much of an update at his presser today. In fact, we'll have to wait until Wednesday to find out the extent of the damage.

Sunday, Oct. 16 at 11:38 a.m. EDT by Brandon Galvin

As expected, Julio Jones is inactive according to the Atlanta Falcons.

Thursday, Oct 13 at 9:31 a.m. EDT - Wes O'Donnell

Wednesday has come and gone and now we know the damage. Julio Jones will be unavailable this week for the Falcons' game against the Carolina Panthers.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution quoted coach Mike Smith as saying, "We are hoping that after this week we will get him back the following week."

As with all hamstring injuries, Jones just needs time to let it heal.

Receiver Harry Douglas will start opposite Roddy White, and this really hurts the Falcons for this week.

Jones had two straight 100-yard receiving games prior to the Packers game and was starting to look every bit of the No. 6 pick the Falcons used on him.

Now his progression will take a back seat to injury.

Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 10:55 a.m. EDT -- Tim Daniels

Mike Smith addressed the media about Atlanta's injury problems and said several players, including Jones, will not practice on Wednesday in order to rest injuries picked up against Green Bay (via NFL.com).

"

“It’s going to be a couple of days before we really know on the guys that were banged up,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said on his weekly radio appearance on NFL Sirius radio. “We’ll definitely be resting those guys on Wednesday and then kind of see where they are on Thursday and Friday.”

"

Hamstring injuries are tough to overcome, so things are definitely sketchy when it comes to Jones' playing status for Sunday. Keep checking back for more updates.

Prior updates

The Falcons cannot afford to lose Jones right now.

They've lost yet another winnable game and haven't looked like themselves yet this year.

The running game isn't working the way it used to, their defense is not nearly as opportunistic as in year's past and they are struggling mightily on the road.

This team quickly has to find a true offensive identity, and Jones has to be a big part of that.

This week, they'll host Cam Newton and the pesky Carolina Panthers. Although they only have one win, Newton has made life difficult for opposing defenses in a myriad of ways.

The following week, right before their bye, the Falcons will travel to Detroit to battle a Lions team that will likely be their top competition for wild-card spot in the NFC.

If Jones cannot get on the field for the Panthers, it is one thing, but he needs to be on the field for the trip to Detroit.

Should Jones miss time this week, it will be Harry Douglas that steps up as the No. 2 receiver opposite Roddy White. He's flashed at times and does have talent, but he's not the big target Jones is.

Tony Gonzalez will likely see increased opportunities over the middle if Jones were to miss a game.

Come Wednesday, we will know for sure, though.

Hamstring injuries are always difficult because they need time, nothing else, to heal.

Missing extended time will hurt Jones' progression. Every rep he gets is a learning experience, and if the Falcons want to make the playoffs, he is going to have to keep learning fast.

We will update when more is known.