Atlanta’s star wide receiver Julio Jones was “questionable” for Sunday’s game against Washington, due to a hamstring and toe injury. Fantasy voters and Falcons’ fans were overjoyed when he was medically cleared to play. The former Alabama standout did enough to push Atlanta past Washington in a 25-19 overtime victory at the Georgia Dome.
Jones was targeted 10 times and caught five passes for 67 yards. He averaged 13.4 yards per catch, with a long of 20 yards. The threat of Jones on the outside created opportunities for running back Devonta Freeman and tight end Jacob Tamme. Tamme totaled 94 yards on eight receptions, while Freeman carried the ball 27 times for 153 yards and a touchdown.
Atlanta remains one of the few unbeaten teams left, as it improves to 5-0 and 3-0 at home.
Jones will rest up and prepare for next week’s match-up on the road against New Orleans.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.
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