The Falcons sent Julio Jones to Tennessee in the trade of the offseason a few months ago. Unfortunately for headline-writers, the star wideout likely won’t be returning to Atlanta tonight.
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After a long period of hostility between Julio Jones and the Falcons front office, the team finally traded him away to the Titans. In a near-perfect storyline, his first game in the Titans’ blue would’ve been against Atlanta tonight, but unfortunately this looks unlikely.
His new team will travel to Atlanta to take on his former team today, in what is the first preseason game for both of them this year. However, an injury means that Julio could be sidelined.
Looks very much like Julio Jones will be a spectator in his return to Atlanta … if he makes the trip at all. https://t.co/F8uHMrXgtP
— Justin Felder (@Justin_FOX5) August 12, 2021
Will Julio Jones Play Against the Falcons?
The simple answer: probably not. In fact, it would be surprising if he made the trip at all. He sustained an injury, which the Titans believe to be minor, around 2 weeks ago.
At the time, head coach Mike Vrabel said, “We’re going to be – probably – cautious with Julio. So, the Julio watch will continue. We’ll have a plan for him, but I would anticipate we would be all on the same page by the time the season started.” Vrabel did add that he expects Jones to be available before week 1 of the regular season, though.
Talking about his expected involvement in practice, Vrabel disclosed, “You’re going to see him out there at times. You’re going to see him on the other field [rehabbing at times]. He’s played a lot of games. So, that’s kind of where we’re going to be each and every day and I won’t have to address it every day.”
More recently, reporter Jim Wyatt noted the following about Wednesday’s practice:
- Titans receiver Julio Jones was a spectator again on Wednesday, and he spent some of the early part of the session chatting with General Manager Jon Robinson. Jones spent a lot of time during the session with receiver A.J. Brown, who also didn’t practice.
- Vrabel said players who make the trip to Atlanta will be expected to play. He didn’t give any insight on which Titans would travel, or stay home.
Considering this, as well as the fact that Julio hasn’t played in the preseason since 2017, it’s safe to assume he won’t be in Atlanta today.
