Falcons' Julio Jones expects to play against Texans on Saturday
Atlanta Falcons receiver Julio Jones said Thursday he expects to play in the team's second preseason game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, according to ESPN.com.
Jones is returning from a broken foot ended his 2013 season after just five games. Last week Jones said he was fine not playing in any preseason games, and that if he did, he likely wouldn't appear until the Falcons' third game.
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Falcons coach Mike Smith wouldn't say if Jones will play Saturday. If he does appear, the receiver is likely to play just one series, according to the report.
Jones, who didn't play in Atlanta's preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins, has been alternating days of practicing and resting as the team brings him back slowly from his injury and subsequent surgery. He's expected to be ready for the Falcons' season opener Sept. 7 against the New Orleans Saints.
In his last healthy season in 2012, Jones caught 79 passes for 1,198 yards and 10 touchdowns.
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- Ben Estes
