FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Atlanta Falcons coach Dan Quinn has not decided if All-Pro wide receiver Julio Jones will play in Saturday's third exhibition game against the Arizona Cardinals.
The game marks the grand opening of the $1.5 billion Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and the third exhibition typically is the "dress rehearsal" when the starters see their most extensive playing time. Jones, who underwent foot surgery in March, didn't play in the first two preseason games despite seeing his practice reps increase in recent weeks. He was limited at the start of training camp following the left foot surgery.
"We'll take it through the week," Quinn said of Jones' status for Saturday. "He had a good week last week and did a bunch in the pregame. If he looks good and wants to get some into this week and he keeps progressing like he has, then that would be something to consider."
Quinn was asked if seeing injuries occur around the league makes him any more cautious about Jones' status. On Monday night, New York Giants star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. took a low hit and was forced out of the game with a sprained ankle.
"Every time you see it, it's a bummer because you know guys are battling for it and going," Quinn said. "But we also know that's also the game we're in. It's a bummer when you see a guy getting injured, especially when it's a long-term one. That can set a guy back for a long time.
"But at the same time, we all recognize that that's part of it. And if you go into a game too much one way or the other, especially as a player, that's usually when you get jammed up."
Quinn said running back Devonta Freeman, who missed this past Sunday's game at Pittsburgh, is toward the end of the concussion protocol, although Freeman won't practice Tuesday. Freeman's playing status for Saturday remains undetermined, but he could return to practice this week.
Quinn ruled out rookie cornerback Damontae Kazee, who injured his right ankle against the Steelers. Newly-signed offensive tackle Austin Pasztor also won't play Saturday while still rehabbing from a pectoral injury. Quinn indicated Pasztor's health won't jeopardize his season.
"We want to make sure that we have a better feel for where he is at before we extend out further," Quinn said of Pastor. "The first couple of days for us will be assessing where he's at [with] strength and conditioning and movement. And then we'll give him more and more each day."
