Julio Jones inactive vs. Rams

 After not practicing all week, Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones is inactive for Sunday’s game against the Rams.

After an initial, NHL-style indication of a lower body injury, Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones was diagnosed with turf toe coming of a Week 13 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He was unable to practice all week, so there was a healthy amount of uncertainty regarding Jones’ status or Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams.

When the Falcons declared their inactives for the game, pessimism became reality.

With Mohamed Sanu (groin) also out, Taylor Gabriel will become Matt Ryan’s No. 1 wide receiver against the Rams. Gabriel has been very productive, but bigger roles are surely in store for wide receiver Justin Hardy and Aldrick Robinson, tight end Levine Toilolo. Running backs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman may also have increased involvement in the passing game.

As the Falcons enter a game they need to win to assure they’ll stay in at no worse than a first place in the NFC South, Jones being deemed unusable even as a decoy points to a very severe turf toe injury.

Jones’ status going forward will surely be a big concern down the road, particularly if the Falcons lose to a very beatable Rams’ team on Sunday. But being able to do without him and win on Sunday, with an eye toward having Jones available over the final four regular season games and beyond, could make Atlanta a team that will be hitting its stride heading into the playoffs.