FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones, who injured his ankle in last Thursday's 17-6 preseason loss to the Miami Dolphins, was not on the field as the team returned to practice Sunday.
Falcons coach Dan Quinn said he had hoped Jones would return in some fashion Sunday coming off the injury. From the outset, Quinn said the injury was not serious.
"He did not participate in anything today, and we'll see if he's able to do something tomorrow," Quinn said Sunday following practice.
Jones tweaked his ankle in the second quarter after getting bumped by Dolphins cornerback Bobby McCain while trying to track down a deep pass from quarterback Matt Ryan.
"I think he definitely wanted to go back in," Quinn said of Jones. "And just for me, it was a coach's decision where I said, 'OK, you're done.' He definitely wanted to go. He was loose and ready to go."
The Falcons are likely to be cautious with Jones this week. The fourth preseason game is more about giving the bubble players a serious look.
Jones was limited at the start of training camp with a foot injury. The Falcons have limited his practice reps throughout the course of the preseason.
Jones wasn't the only marquee player to sit out Sunday's practice. Pass-rusher Dwight Freeney, who missed the Miami game with what was called a minor back injury, watched from the sideline in shorts next to fellow defensive end Adrian Clayborn, who is nursing a left shoulder injury. Quinn said Freeney is expected to practice Monday but is unlikely to play in the last preseason game when the Falcons host the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Rookies Devin Fuller (shoulder) and Brandon Wilds (knee) also did not practice Sunday. Quinn said Fuller will have a second opinion on a shoulder injury Monday and likely will be out for this week's game.
