Limted production in finale

Jones registered four stops and two pass deflections during Sunday's 34-32 win over the Buccaneers.

Analysis: A Pro Bowler a season earlier, Jones' 2018 campaign got off to an unfortunate start when he broke his foot in the opener and missed the subsequent 10 games. He returned to impressive form once he was activated from injured reserve, however, churning out 44 tackles and returning an interception for a touchdown between Weeks 13 and 17. An elite all-around linebacker when fully healthy, Jones will anchor the Atlanta defense in 2019.

Practices fully Thursday

Jones (foot) was a full participant at Thursday's practice, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Jones landed on the injury report Wednesday as a limited participant with the foot injury, but his quick return to full participation confirms it to be a minor issue. The 24-year-old should serve in his usual starting role at middle linebacker for Sunday's season finale against the Buccaneers.

Limited at Wednesday's session

Jones was limited during Wednesday's session with a foot injury, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Jones' foot issue is not believed to be all too serious given his ability to practice, albeit in a limited fashion. We should have a clearer indication of his status for Sunday's game a little bit later this week.

Team's leading tackler in win

Jones tallied 14 combined tackles and one forced fumble during Sunday's 24-10 win against the Panthers.

Analysis: Atlanta's star middle linebacker has had an undeniable impact on the defense's ability to slow down opponents this season, as the Falcons allow 20.4 points per game when he is active, compared to 28.9 when he was inactive between Weeks 2 and 12 with a foot injury. Jones has demonstrated an insatiable nose for the football in five appearances this season, accounting for 9.8 tackles per game and twice exceeding 13 tackles in a single performance. A stellar pass defender in addition to his prowess…read more

Notches pick-six in win

Jones recorded four tackles (three solo), two passes defensed and returned an interception for a touchdown during Sunday's win over the Cardinals.

Analysis: Jones added a defensive score to his impressive resume since returning from a 10-game absence due to a foot injury. He's now forced two turnovers in just four games this season and will face a struggling Panthers squad on the road in Week 16.

Team-high six tackles in loss

Jones recorded five solo tackles and one assisted tackle during Sunday's 34-20 loss to Green Bay.

Analysis: Jones was effective in helping slow down Packers back Aaron Jones, tackling the explosive runner for a gain of four or fewer rushing yards on four occasions Sunday (averages 5.6 yards per carry on the season). He forced incompletions both times he was targeted, and he very nearly recorded a pick-six off Aaron Rodgers two minutes before the end of the first half. The third-year linebacker has fully worked his way back into the fold after recovering from a Week 1 foot injury, as Atlanta prepares…read more

Dominant in Week 13 return

Jones recorded a team-high 15 combined tackles, including one sack, during Sunday's 26-16 loss to the Ravens.

Analysis: Even with its Pro Bowl middle linebacker in the mix once again, Atlanta allowed Baltimore to rack up north of 200 rushing yards, helping the Ravens establish a staggering 39:39 time of possession. Jones' presence in the lineup did at least stymie running back production in the passing game, an area that has devastated the Falcons defensively this season. Ravens backs combined for six receptions and 48 yards with Jones active Sunday, compared to 7.8 catches and 63.6 receiving yards allowed to…read more

Set to suit up Sunday

Coach Dan Quinn confirmed that Jones (foot) will suit up Sunday against the Ravens, Jason Butt of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: According to Butt, Quinn relayed that Jones won't face a specialized snap count in his return from an 11-game absence, so the middle linebacker should reclaim his usual starting role while not carrying an injury designation into the Week 13 matchup. The loss of Jones, who excels both in coverage and against the run, had been the most significant hit to an injury-ravaged Atlanta defense that has seen its performance suffer mightily in 2018. While Jones' return may come too late to salvage the…read more

Listed as limited, calling plays

Jones (foot) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Per D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jones was back to calling signals with the first-team defense at practice, a strong hint he's gearing up to return for Sunday's game against the Ravens. While one good player probably isn't enough to fix the broken Atlanta defense, Jones could pay immediate dividends for those who use him in IDP settings, especially if the Ravens continue to utilize a run-heavy game plan featuring Lamar Jackson and Gus Edwards. Per McClure, coach Dan…read more

Week 13 return possible

Coach Dan Quinn is optimistic Jones (foot) will be able to play Week 13 against the Ravens, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Jones was activated off injured reserve earlier this month but has been inactive for the two games since his return to the active roster. Quinn expressed a similar sentiment earlier this week before the 24-year-old was ultimately ruled out for Thursday's loss to the Saints. Jones will have some additional time to prepare for the Ravens after the quick turnaround this week, but there remains no guarantee he returns at all, as the Falcons now sit at 4-7 with the playoffs seemingly out of reach,…read more

Ruled out for Thanksgiving Day

Jones (foot) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Saints, Will McFadden of the Falcons' official site reports.

Analysis: Jones wasn't able to advance beyond limited participation in practices Monday through Wednesday, which was enough to prevent him from playing for the first time since the season opener. Though the Falcons brought Jones back from injured reserve ahead of last week's loss to the Cowboys, it's not a given that the star middle linebacker will suit up again this season, according to Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com. Coach Dan Quinn has said all along that he won't bring back Jones to play on a "pitch…read more

Aiming to return Thursday

The Falcons hope Jones (foot) will be able to return for Thursday's game at New Orleans, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Analysis: Although he was activated from IR last Monday, Jones didn't progress enough last week to be cleared to play in Sunday's eventual loss to the Cowboys. Per Jason Butt of The Athletic, Jones kicked off this week with no activity at Monday's walk-through. Despite this fact, coach Dan Quinn told Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com that Jones will put in a workout Monday, after which his health will be checked out. It remains to be seen whether the middle linebacker will make his second appearance of the…read more

Sidelined for Week 11

Coach Dan Quinn said that Jones (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Cowboys, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: The Falcons' decision to activate Jones from injured reserve Monday seemed to suggest the linebacker was on track to play in Week 11. However, after evaluating Jones during the Falcons' three practices this week, Quinn and the Atlanta training staff determined the 24-year-old could benefit from some more time to get up to speed following foot surgery. There's been no indication that Jones suffered any setbacks since being activated from IR, so he should have a decent shot at playing for the…read more

Limited again Thursday

Jones (foot) was limited in practice Thursday, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Although Jones was activated from injured reserve Monday, the Falcons will take a cautious approach with the linebacker before clearing him for game action. As evidence, coach Dan Quinn wants Jones' foot to be 100 percent before doing so, according to Kelsey Conway of the team's official site. With back-to-back limited sessions Wednesday and Thursday, Jones may not be there yet. One way or another, Friday's injury report could confirm as much.

Drawing closer to return

Coach Dan Quinn said the team will ensure Jones (foot) is "100 percent" before clearing him to return to game action, Kelsey Conway of the Falcons' official site reports.

Analysis: After he was activated from injured reserve Monday, Jones was included on Wednesday's injury report, which listed him as a limited participation, per Will McFadden of the team's official site. Quinn's comment seems to indicate this listing will have to change from "limited" to "full" for Jones to be available on gameday. Only time will tell if this is the case, but Jones' first opportunity to return arrives Sunday against the Cowboys.

Activated from injured reserve

The Falcons activated Jones (foot) from injured reserve Monday, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM Radio reports.

Analysis: The Falcons never elaborated on the foot injury that Jones suffered in the season opener, but after returning to practice last Wednesday he's more or less cleared to return to action. His upcoming availability could be confirmed as early as Wednesday, when the team will release its first Week 11 injury report. When he takes the field, he'll be aiming to uphold his career mark of nearly eight tackles per game, which makes him an intriguing IDP option.

Progressing towards return

Jones (foot) is eligible to return from injured reserve and is being evaluated, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Analysis: Jones returned to practice last week, but it appears that the Falcons have no plans to rush the star linebacker onto the field before he fully recovers. Jones is eligible to suit up for Sunday's game against the Cowboys -- which Atlanta will need to win in order to keep their season alive -- but there seems to be a good chance of the third-year pro remaining sidelined Week 11.

Returning to practice

Jones (foot) resumed practicing Wednesday, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports.

Analysis: Jones won't show up on the injury report because he's still on injured reserve, but he will be eligible for activation to the 53-man roster as soon as Week 11 against Dallas. The Falcons have a 21-day window to decide on Jones' eligibility for the rest of the season now that he's returned to practice. The team can keep him on IR if he suffers a setback, but it seems more likely he'll be activated within the next few weeks, potentially providing a major boost to a lackluster Atlanta defense.…read more

Could return to practice Week 10

Jones (foot) may return to practice Week 10, Kelsey Conway of the Falcons' official site reports.

Analysis: Jones has progressed well in his recovery from a foot injury sustained during Atlanta's season-opener, and Week 10 is the earliest he's eligible to begin practicing. If all goes well, the star middle linebacker could return from injured reserve for the Falcons' Nov. 18 game against the Cowboys. Jones' presence will be a big boost to Atlanta's defense whenever he is able to fully return.

Hopeful to return soon

Coach Dan Quinn didn't provide a timeline for when he expects Jones (foot) to return to practice, though the linebacker will be eligible to return from injured reserve for the Falcons' Nov. 18 game against the Cowboys, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Jones' absence over the past six games has hurt the team's ability to limit running backs in the passing game, as Atlanta has surrendered more receptions to the position (60) than any other team in the league. If all goes well, Atlanta will get its star middle linebacker in the lineup as soon as Week 11, potentially allowing the Falcons to make a late push for the postseason.

Progressing well in recovery

Coach Dan Quinn said Jones (foot) is "on target" in his recovery, Matt Tabeek of the Falcons' official site reports.

Analysis: Jones was placed on injured reserve after suffering a foot injury during the Falcons' first game of the season, but he appears to be recovering well. If Jones gets healthy, he could tentatively return to the field for Atlanta's game against the Cowboys in Week 10. The third-year linebacker's return at any point this season would be a huge boon for Atlanta's defense.

Heads to IR

The Falcons placed Jones (foot) on injured reserve Tuesday.

Analysis: Just one week into the season, the Falcons will already be without the services of two of their top defensive playmakers for extended time, with Jones set to join safety Keanu Neal (knee) on IR. The Falcons were initially hopeful that Jones was just dealing with a sore foot after he racked up a team-high nine tackles in the season-opening loss to the Eagles, but followup testing revealed that the linebacker required a procedure to address the injury. Head coach Dan Quinn said the Falcons expect…read more

Held out Monday

Jones was held out of Monday's practice due to a foot injury, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Analysis: Jones is one of the Falcons' best defenders, and his health will be a looming question for the team heading into a divisional matchup with the Panthers in Week 2. He should be considered questionable for the time being, with the specifics of his injury yet unclear.

Leads team with nine tackles

Jones picked up nine tackles and a fourth-quarter interception during the Falcons' 18-12 loss to Philadelphia on Thursday.

Analysis: With the Falcons' only other Pro Bowl defender, Keanu Neal (knee), now down for the season, Jones' on-field leadership becomes even more instrumental for this unit to succeed moving forward. Jones and the Atlanta defense had absolutely nothing to be ashamed of regarding their performance Thursday night, as they held the defending champions to under 250 offensive yards. Still, Jones and his teammates need to quickly recalibrate for a matchup against another potent offense in Week 2, as they'll…read more

Returns to practice

Jones (strain) returned to full practice Tuesday, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Analysis: Jones hasn't participated in practice in a full capacity for more than a week due to a muscle strain, but it appears the issue was resolved well ahead of Week 1. He should be full go for the team's regular-season opener versus the Eagles on Sept. 6.

Going through individual drills

Jones (undisclosed) is going through individual drills during Monday's practice, Kelsey Conway of the Falcons' official site reports.

Analysis: Jones is nursing an unspecified muscle strain and has been considered "day-to-day" for roughly a week. The linebacker seems to be trending in the right direction, though, and he still has a week and a half to get himself back into gear before the regular-season opener Sept. 6 against the Eagles.

Won't play Saturday

Jones (undisclosed) will sit out of Saturday's preseason game against the Jaguars, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Analysis: Jones doesn't need to prove anything to secure a roster spot, as he made 246 tackles, 21 pass breakups and six interceptions -- including two pick-sixes -- through his first two seasons in the league. Therefore, the Falcons will be cautious with Jones' workload until they kick off Week 1 against the Eagles.

Considered day-to-day

Jones (undisclosed) is being listed as day-to-day by the team, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Analysis: Jones' injury status is certainly a good sign for the Falcons, who will only have to plan to be without the starting middle linebacker in the short term. Emmanuel Smith may fill in for him in the interim.

Dealing with strain

Jones did not practice Sunday due to a muscle strain, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Analysis: Jones' muscle strain is what kept him out of Friday's preseason game against the Chiefs and he has not practiced since. Head coach Dan Quinn said Saturday that Jones was day-to-day with the injury, so the Falcons will likely continue to take a similar approach during this week of practice.

Held out of Friday's game

Head coach Dan Quinn announced Saturday that Jones is considered day-to-day with an undisclosed injury, Kelsey Conway of the Falcons' official site reports.

Analysis: Jones was a surprise scratch from Atlanta's second preseason game against Kansas City on Friday, as there was no indication coming in that the Pro Bowl linebacker was dealing with an injury. A sudden and mysterious designation for the team's best defensive player has fans waiting with bated breath, though the exact ailment and expected recovery time have not yet been disclosed by the Falcons.

Pulled after one impeccable drive

Jones recorded three tackles Friday night in Atlanta's preseason opener against the Jets.

Analysis: Jones hardly could've played better in his lone defensive drive of the game, picking up a tackle on a Bilal Powell stretch run, ushering Josh McCown out of bounds on a second-down scramble, and then tackling Neal Sterling one yard short of the sticks on a third-down button hook. He'll look to keep this level of play rolling through another solid week of practice and into a preseason tilt against Kansas City next Friday.

Jones established himself as a Pro-Bowl caliber player in his second season out of LSU, but linebackers coach Jeff Ulbrich believes that the 23-year-old still has room for improvement in his game. "There is some stuff that he does in coverage that is freaky and uncommon, that's best in-the-league type stuff," Ulbrich said of Jones earlier this offseason, "but there is also stuff from a fundamental standpoint against the run that he needs to improve on."

Analysis: Jones has been the anchor at the center of the Falcons' defense, playing in 31 regular-season games for the club over his first two pro seasons while averaging nearly eight tackles per game. Possessing otherworldly athleticism, the 6-foot-1 linebacker picked up three interceptions in 2017, and led the position with 10 pass breakups. If Jones can round out his game by becoming more of a force against the run, Atlanta has an enhanced likelihood to finish top-five in total defense for the first…read more

Jones led the Falcons with 138 total tackles (91 solo), and he added three interceptions and a sack this season.

Analysis: Jones built on a strong rookie campaign, and he's racked up more than 100 total tackles in each of his two seasons in the league. His 91 solo tackles ranked sixth in the league, and he tied for fourth overall in total tackles. He should be a top IDP option entering next year.

Jones posted 10 tackles (eight solo) and one interception Sunday against the Saints.

Analysis: This was Jones' sixth double-digit tackle performance in 15 games, and he now has 128 tackles (86 solo) this campaign. He's been consistent too, falling below seven tackles just three times this season, and he should be considered a top IDP asset in Week 17, especially against a Carolina team that he accrued 11 tackles against in Week 9.

Jones finished Monday's 24-21 victory over the Buccaneers with nine tackles (seven solo).

Analysis: Jones' tackle total is now up to 118 (78 solo) on the season. The second year linebacker was one of five Falcons defenders to log all 61 defensive snaps. He figures to continue having plenty of opportunities to rack tackles for the remainder of the season.

Jones intercepted Drew Brees in the fourth quarter to seal Thursday night's 20-17 win over the Saints.

Analysis: Jones' interception came in the end zone and ended the Saints chances to either tie the game or take the lead. The 23-year-old led the Falcons with 13 tackles (seven solo), which his is highest tackle output of the season, and the fifth time he has reached double digit tackles.