Will Julio Jones Sit Out Falcons vs Vikings Week 1?
Will Julio Jones sit out the Falcons vs. Vikings Week 1 showdown on Sunday?
Probably not, but he isn’t ruling it out.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Jones could not hide his disappointment at the fact that he has not gotten a new deal yet.
When a reporter asked him if he was “definitely” going to play on Sunday, Jones expressed some uncertainty.
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“I don’t know. I mean, like, what I’m trying to do right now is be ready,” he said.
Julio Jones on his contract situation and being slowed today because he was sore from turf. pic.twitter.com/tcookJ3IUO
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) September 5, 2019
“If I’m gonna play, if I’m not gonna play, I’m trying to be out there regardless,” he continued.
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“Coming back from injury and things like that. But ultimate thing is just being ready when my number is called.”
Here is the full transcription of what Julio told reporters about his status for Sunday: pic.twitter.com/CWd3txvDrd
— Mike Conti (@MikeConti929) September 5, 2019
Jones is in the middle of a contract negotiation with Atlanta that has carried through the entire offseason.
He currently has two years left on his contract, but no guaranteed cash.
In the last five years, Jones has consistently been one of the best wide receivers in the sport.
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He has totaled up at least 80 passes and 1,400-plus yards in each and every one of those seasons.
Beyond the production, Jones has been extremely durable. He has only missed three games over that span.
Falcons coach Dan Quinn told reporters that the matter was not a distraction for his team.
“Outside of the walls, I recognize that it’s a big topic,” he said.
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“There are fantasy points out there. There is a lot going on. Inside the walls, that is not what we discuss.
“His communication and his involvement with receivers and quarterbacks, it’s been a big deal.
“That’s been pretty consistent for him the whole time throughout.”
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For what it is worth, it seems like team owner Arthur Blank believes all involved are close on a deal.
“I’d be surprised and disappointed if we didn’t get it done this week,” he said. “I think it’s very reasonable to assume it will get done this week.”
The Falcons will travel to Minnesota to take on the Vikings this weekend.
They are currently set as four point underdogs.
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Jennifer Withers Hoey is a former Business Development Manager who transitioned to writing about sports. With valuable connections all over the West Coast, she has used those contacts to break some of the most interesting stories pertaining to the Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Ducks, LA Lakers, LA Clippers, Seattle Supersonics (RIP), and more.
Of course the Falcons won’t pay their only good player….