Falcons being extra cautious to protect Julio Jones’ health

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — There will be no leaping sideline catches, no end zone fade routes, no over-themiddle patterns for Julio Jones this preseason.

Fans hoping to see Jones in the Atlanta Falcons’ final two preseason games, including Saturday’s game at Jacksonville, better arrive early for pregame warmups. After that, the wide receiver will be a sideline observer.

Jones is feeling great, and coach Dan Quinn is trying to make sure that doesn’t change before the regular season. Barring a change of plans, Jones also will be held out of Atlanta’s final preseason game against Miami next week.

Jones said Wednesday he supports Quinn’s plan. He said he’ll be prepared for real games despite having no game-speed preparation in the preseason.

“I’m going to be ready to go,” Jones said. “I’m getting plenty of reps and things like that in practice. I’m going against some great guys.”

It’s not unusual for a key starter to have only limited exposure in the preseason. It was notable, however, when Quinn said Tuesday he plans to hold out Jones the full preseason.

Jones’ value to the team makes Quinn’s strategy easy to understand.

A two-time All-Pro, Jones is one of only two players in NFL history to have at least 80 catches and 1,400 yards receiving in four straight seasons. He can break that tie with Marvin Harrison this season.

Despite having to play through a long series of nagging injuries, Jones had 88 catches for 1,444 yards and three touchdowns in 2017.

Jones, 29, reported on time for the start of training camp last month after missing the mandatory minicamp.