Falcons HC Dan Quinn said Tuesday that he "anticipates" WR Julio Jones (hamstring) playing against the Saints on Thursday night.  Speculation from the media has been more pessimistic.  Jones is highly unlikely to practice at all this week and will probably end up as a game-time call.  We'll know his status by 7 pm ET on Thursday.  He's impossible to bench in season-long leagues but isn't worth paying up for in DFS this week.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Falcons are "uncertain" if WR Julio Jones (hamstring) will be ready for Thursday night's game against the Saints.  That hammy tightened up last Friday and made Jones a game-time call for Week 5.  He didn't appear to suffer a setback in Sundays win over the Redskins, but the short week isn't doing him any favors.  We'll continue to update his status over the next few days.

Falcons WR Julio Jones (toe, hamstring) is active for today’s game against the Redskins. His hammy reportedly tightened up on Friday, but he ran on Saturday and obviously looked good enough in pregame warmups. Jones should remain locked into season-long lineups. He’s not worth paying up for in DFS — at least in cash games.

ESPN's Adam Schefter hears that Falcons WR Julio Jones' hamstring is a "concern."  Jones was limited in practice all week and listed on the injury report with a hamstring and a toe.  Schefter adds that Jones is expected to play against the Redskins.  He needs to be in season-long lineups as long as he's active, but it's enough for us to fade him in DFS.

The Falcons listed WR Julio Jones (toe, hamstring) as questionable for Sunday's game against the Redskins.  He was on the injury report the past 3 weeks but was probable.  Jones was also limited in practice all 3 days this week -- the first time this year he hasn't put in at least 1 full practice.  There's still nothing to suggest he's in any danger of missing this weekend's game.  But check back Sunday morning just to make sure he's active.

Falcons WR Julio Jones (hamstring) is officially active for today’s game against the Giants. He only practiced on Friday this week, but there was never any concern about his availability. Keep Jones locked into fantasy lineups.

Falcons WR Julio Jones (hamstring) is listed as probable after returning to practice on Friday.  There's been no indication that the hammy is a concern.  Keep Jones glued into fantasy lineups for another plus matchup against the Giants.

Falcons WR Julio Jones missed his 2nd straight practice on Thursday with a hamstring issue.  Jones played through it last Monday night, though, and is expected to get back on the field tomorrow.  Both Jones and HC Dan Quinn fully expect the WR to play against the Giants this weekend.  For now, this is a situation to monitor rather than be concerned about.  Check back tomorrow for another update.

The Falcons and WR Julio Jones agreed to a 5-year, $71.25 million extension with $47 million guaranteed.  That's more annual and guaranteed money that WRs Demaryius Thomas and Dez Bryant got with their new deals earlier this offseason.  Jones is now locked up in Atlanta through 2020.  The former 6th overall pick has had some durability issues but is a difference-maker when on the field.  Jones ranks 3rd league-wide -- ahead of both Thomas and Bryant -- in receiving yards per game over the last 4 seasons.

Falcons rookie Justin Hardy said he's learning all the WR positions at rookie minicamp.  He'll be battling for a slot role between Julio Jones and Roddy White this season.  But learning the outside spots means Atlanta at least considers him a potential option on the outside down the road.  White turns 34 in November, while Jones is currently set to reach free agency next offseason.  Hardy won't be much of a fantasy asset in 2015 but could eventually turn into a weekly starter.  He checks in 14th among WRs in our Dynasty Rookie Rankings.

The Falcons spent a 4th-round pick on WR Justin Hardy.  WR is quietly a position of need for the Falcons, who only have a 33-year-old Roddy White, Leonard Hankerson and Devin Hester behind Julio Jones.  Hardy is a smallish 5'10 and 192 pounds with mediocre speed.  But he's a smooth mover who runs good routes and has reliable hands.  That helped him set an NCAA record with 387 career receptions. He'll compete for the #3 WR spot in Atlanta right out of the gate.  We'll see if Hardy can eventually replace White as the #2.

The Falcons are hiring Kyle Shanahan as OC.  (Atlanta is expected to tab Seahawks DC Dan Quinn as HC after the Super Bowl.)  This will be an adjustment for Lil' Shanny after working with mobile QBs in Washington and Cleveland the past 3 years.  Shanahan was OC in Houston in 2008 and 2009 with QB Matt Schaub, though, and posted a pair of top-4 finishes in total yards.  We like the hire for QB Matt Ryan and the Falcons passing game.  Shanahan's run games also tend to be effective.

Falcons WR Julio Jones (oblique) is active for today's matchup with Carolina.  There was never any doubt that he would suit up for a must-win game.  Over his last 4 appearances, Jones has tallied an eye-popping 33 catches for 623 yards and 3 TDs.

Falcons WR Julio Jones (oblique) is listed as questionable for Week 17 but is fully expected to play against the Panthers.  He even practiced on Friday, something he didn't do last week.  It's a good sign that Jones will be closer to 100% this week than he was last.  He's a shoo-in WR1 against a talent-deficient Panthers secondary.

Falcons WR Julio Jones (hip) is officially active for today’s game against the Saints. It means he looked good enough in pregame warmups. There’s obvious risk here, but you’d need to be loaded at WR to bench Jones in this plus matchup. He torched New Orleans for 7 catches and 116 yards back in Week 1.

NFL Network's Albert Breer reports that the Falcons are "optimistic" that WR Julio Jones (hip) will play against the Saints today.  Jones didn't practice all week but participated in Saturday's walkthrough.  A final decision on his status will be made after pregame warmups.  We'll have that for you by noon ET.  Jones should be in fantasy lineups if active.

Falcons insider Vaughn McClure believes WR Julio Jones (hip) will "definitely" play against the Saints on Sunday.  "And it's not as if the Falcons will have him on the field just as a decoy," McClure adds. "They need Jones in this desperation game, so I suspect he will get plenty of opportunities."  The fact that Julio was unable to practice this week is worrisome.  We'll be keeping a close eye on the Sunday morning reports on how he's feeling.  And we'll have his official status by noon ET.  If Jones is active, he'll be nearly impossible to bench in fantasy.

Falcons WR Julio Jones (hip) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Falcons after sitting out practice all week. It’s the same boat he was in last week before ending up inactive. Jones should theoretically be healthier now, though, and we’ll find out his official status by noon ET on Sunday. For now, plan on starting Jones in season-long leagues if he’s active.

Falcons WR Julio Jones (hip) remained sidelined on Wednesday.  He's yet to practice since going down 9 days ago.  It's obviously not a good start to the week, but it certainly doesn't mean he won't play this Sunday.  Check back tomorrow for another update.

Falcons HC Mike Smith said Monday that he expects WR Julio Jones (hip) to return for Sunday's game against the Saints.  "He's improved last week to this week," Smith added.  We'll keep a close eye on Jones' progress over the next few days.  Atlanta will likely do whatever it takes to get him ready for a must-win game.  Jones torched the Saints for 116 yards on 7 catches back in Week 1.