Falcons Wednesday Injury Report: Julio Jones Not Practicing

by Dave Choate on Nov 16, 2011 5:00 PM EST in Falcons News

At this point, I have no idea what "not injury related" actually means.

I say that because John Abraham, Tony Gonzalez and Todd McClure are both not practicing for those reasons. Is John Abraham suffering from a personal trauma? Is Tony Gonzalez immersed in a bath of minerals and vegetables for the next week? Is Todd McClure fighting hand-to-hand with ninjas from the Orient as we speak? Is it just an excuse to rest guys who are getting older but don't actually have any injuries? I dunno.

The more relevant news is that William Moore and Julio Jones did not practice for reasons very much related to injury. Moore's dealing with a quad injury that kept him out of the Saints game, and it's anybody's guess whether he'll be ready to go come the Titans game. If he's not, James Sanders would once again start for him.

Jones is the lingering concern here. His hamstring issues have been well-publicized and have limited his availability all year. The fact that he's not practicing after being held out of most of the Saints game tells me he's going to be questionable at best for the Titans. Harry Douglas will get another chance to have a huge game if my hunch is correct.

In other news, Sam Baker engaged in a limited practice for the first time in a while. Whether he returns versus the Titans or not is an open-ended question, but he'll likely take his starting job back as soon as he's ready. Will Svitek has played well in relief, but I don't think he's blown the coaching staff away to the point where he's going to take over the former first rounder's gig.

He's joined on the limited practice list by Brent Grimes, Harry Douglas, Jason Snelling and more. It's one of those weeks.

What say you?

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Comments

Perhaps Abraham, Gonzalez and McClure ...

are getting one of those “veteran” (old guy) days off?

by Reid Adair on Nov 16, 2011 5:32 PM EST reply actions

That's exactly what it is

I have read a few of DOL’s articles that have said Abe and Gonzo will be on a “maintenance program” for veteran players to keep them fresh. No need to worry at all.

by klstreet on Nov 16, 2011 5:44 PM EST reply actions

day off

They deserve it

by jgreedy on Nov 16, 2011 5:46 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Wednesdays are designated rest days for 30+ veterans.

Mike Smith stated this last year.

by Projection on Nov 16, 2011 6:29 PM EST reply actions

This

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by Caleb Rutherford on Nov 16, 2011 6:49 PM EST up reply actions

You are correct

by Dave Choate on Nov 16, 2011 8:27 PM EST up reply actions

svitek

I think he’s earned the starting spot. I don’t remember him giving up any sacks and been decent at run blocking. He’s had a few flags bit nothing compared to baker. Let julio rest. We will need him more later in the season and if we make the playoffs

by ocfalcon on Nov 16, 2011 6:33 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Me too

Since the line “shakeup” our protection has been good enough for Ryan to make plays downfield. I’m afraid Mr Baker may not have his old job, or shouldn’t.

by kaminator on Nov 16, 2011 6:48 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Dave, show Svitek some love

The line has looked much better with Svitek at LT. He has looked far better than Baker. In fact, I don’t even think its close at all. Its safe to say Svitek is our new LT going foward.

by leonw92 on Nov 16, 2011 7:55 PM EST up reply actions

I think he's looked good, too

He definitely beat out my modest expectations. I’m not convinced yet that he’s going to keep the job, though. We’ll see.

by Dave Choate on Nov 16, 2011 8:27 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah

I don’t think the coaching staff puts Baker back into the starting spot. Since Svitek has been there I think the line has given up a modest 3 sacks with Svitek only giving up one of them and Matt Ryan has stayed fairly clean not even getting hit especially from his blind side.

*In Matt I Trust*
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by nj_falconfan on Nov 16, 2011 8:05 PM EST up reply actions

Moore is probably my biggest concern

As many people have pointed out, the older players are getting a rest. I’d rather the coaches rest JJ and make sure he’s fully healed for the NFCS games later in the year. I’m good with Svitek starting and having Baker resting.

Moore, again, is a bigger concern as he brings a swagger to the defense and has played pretty well this year.

by mwalex on Nov 16, 2011 6:51 PM EST reply actions

I'd love to see this coaching staff

trying out Baker at some other positions in the Oline. he’s going to be replaced at LT after the season (if not during) anyway – or so we think. if he could be a better fit at RT, say, that would be one way to keep him.

Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia

by Gemini-RU on Nov 17, 2011 5:31 AM EST up reply actions

I agree

he might be a very good RT.

by mwalex on Nov 17, 2011 9:32 AM EST up reply actions

Definitely think so.

I seem to have more patience for him than some others, and I still think when healthy he starts ahead of Svitek (who has been a rock I might add, very impressed), but if he continues to not work out at LT I wouldn’t mind us switching him to RT.

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by Turner_The_Burner on Nov 17, 2011 9:54 AM EST up reply actions

but if we go after a top-tier LT in FA or draft

he (Baker) might be too expensive for a RT, even if he fits. and then his contract might have to be renegotiated, which isn’t a given. I wonder if they ever see how he does at RT even at practice…

Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia

by Gemini-RU on Nov 17, 2011 10:02 AM EST up reply actions

Good Grief JJ

Get on the field man. I understand the coaching staff is holding him from coming back in games we’re capable of winning without him, but just his presence on the field can do wonders. I’m comfortable with HD stepping up behind him, but there isn’t much behind him.

This might be a game where we see more underneath routes to Quizz and Snelling.

by DopeFalcons on Nov 16, 2011 7:09 PM EST reply actions

jj

I would’ve put jj in da game for a fade route in da closing sec of regulation

by jgreedy on Nov 16, 2011 8:16 PM EST via mobile reply actions

I think Svitek has definitely earned a shot at the starting job

but whether or not they give it to him I’m not sure. He’s definitely earned a closer look though, he’s been very strong at LT.

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by Turner_The_Burner on Nov 16, 2011 8:35 PM EST reply actions

they better give it to him...

One day....

by Kashberry on Nov 16, 2011 9:14 PM EST up reply actions

Svitek's been adequate...

But neither he nor Baker has been a force. Maybe next draft it’s time to spend a fairly high pick on an OT. There’s nothing like a premium offensive line to make your running game click. And great pass blocking for Ryan might take him to the next level. Food for thought…

by randomaxe on Nov 16, 2011 9:36 PM EST up reply actions

fairly high

being, like, 3rd round?

Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia

by Gemini-RU on Nov 17, 2011 5:34 AM EST up reply actions

Yes

Other than Sam Baker, the Falcons haven’t taken an Offensive Tackle before the 5th round in the last 18 drafts. We’ve picked some Guards, but no OTs.

by randomaxe on Nov 17, 2011 9:27 AM EST up reply actions

I was actually referring to our

draft positioning in the first 2 rounds, actually lack thereof.

I’m all for drafting an OT high in the draft (as high as possible). problem is, there aren’t very many OT drafted in early rounds who performed well in the past years. not that I can remember, although I could be wrong.

another problem is that we will have so many players leaving the team, since like 20 players will be free agents. so the TD may have other priorities, depending on whom they decide to retain. in addition, drafting a good power back as an eventual replcament for MT will be important.

Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia

by Gemini-RU on Nov 17, 2011 9:57 AM EST up reply actions

Also, TD seems to follow the New England pattern

They seem to typically take project OLs in the late rounds and UDFAs and groom them over time. You end up with a “no name” line, sort of like we have. My only concern is that we’re going to need some talent at the position soon, and the projects at OT don’t seem to be panning out. I’’m NOT suggesting we trade up and try to draft another first round OT; that obviously didn’t work out well with Baker. If he was a 4th round pick, I don’t think anyone would grouse about him as much, but it’s galling to see a 1st rounder perform so indifferently. One can’t underestimate the importance of the offensive line, both for opeing rushing lanes and giving your quarterback solid feet while throwing. A solid tackle (or two) would help our offensive in ways that might not be flashy, or immediately apparent, but substantial over time.

by randomaxe on Nov 17, 2011 10:28 AM EST up reply actions

?? on New England

LT Matt Light – 2nd Round (2001)
LG Logan Mankins – 1st Round (2005)

Last year’s starting RT Sebastian Vollmer – 2nd Round (2009)
This year’s starting RT Nate Solder – 1st Round (2011)
Former starting RT Nick Kaczur – 3rd Round (2005)

They might’ve just taken in UDFA’s and late rounders between 2005-2009 because they had their OL relatively “set”. But when they need a starter (especially at Tackle), they don’t mess around.

I agree with your main point, though… Offensive Tackle (and I say an even bigger position of neglect is Defensive End) needs a serious talent infusion in the upcoming draft(s).

"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein

by orang3b on Nov 17, 2011 1:44 PM EST up reply actions

with Baker

I agree that his problem is the indifference. at least it seems this way. for a player his caliber few would doubt the talent. otherwise so many “pundits” wouldn’t have rated him 1 round material. so it has to be his attitude, and that hurts.

Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia

by Gemini-RU on Nov 17, 2011 1:59 PM EST up reply actions

In other news

Bye bye JJ, back to the fantasy bench for you. Turner’s Burners will be investing in Harry Douglas this week.

Be sure to check out this week's Best Case/Worst Case article here.

Follow me on Twitter! @HarrisonN17

by Turner_The_Burner on Nov 16, 2011 8:39 PM EST reply actions

I picked up Laurent Robinson myself, thought about HD but,

I dont trust MM at all in how much he’s going to be used.

by aces666high on Nov 16, 2011 9:42 PM EST up reply actions

He's been good when JJ hasn't been there, pretty consistently at least

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by Turner_The_Burner on Nov 16, 2011 10:57 PM EST up reply actions

What say you?

I say you read the AJC.

Hope Jones doesn’t have chronic hamstring problems.

Is Jerry injured? He should be, has zero tackles in the past five games. Zero, that dude is a bust.

by Whopper Dawg on Nov 16, 2011 10:32 PM EST reply actions

It funny that you are groussing about Jerry yet again

But his numbers are better than Babs through this part of the season. They’ve both played in 6 games. Jerry’s WPA and EPA are much higher than Babs. They have essentially the same number of tackles. Babs has one sack and Jerry has none. They have the same number of QB hits. Jerry has two tackles for loss and Babs has one. You could argue that it’s due to Babs MCL but right now they are playing the same.

by mwalex on Nov 16, 2011 11:35 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

I think we need Julio more then Moore this week

The offense isn’t effective enough even with him in the game. The offense has lost us our games. Without him it hurts. Tennesse is a good team the’re 5-4 just like us. I don know much about there secondary but Ive always thought Finnagen was pretty good. Thiks is must win

by DEMBIRDZCUZ! on Nov 17, 2011 5:00 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

Confused by the AJC comment

I have to agree with mwalex’s comment below for the most part, but how disappointing is it that Corey Peters is outplaying both Babs and Jerry, which to these eyes he is?

by Dave Choate on Nov 17, 2011 10:14 AM EST up reply actions

I wish we would have been able to get A.J. and J.J.

I HATE the gators.

by CaptJackSparrow on Nov 17, 2011 6:26 AM EST reply actions

Tony G has taken Weds off for several seasons now,

going back to his time with the Chiefs. Hamstring injuries have been chronic league wide, all season (e.g. Miles Austin, Andre Johnson)- most likely a direct result of the lockout. Obviously, not every player has the knowledge and/or the drive to properly condition for a full NFL season – especially when they are all left to do it on their own.

Svitek needs to stay in the lineup until he demonstrates that Baker is the better player – and I doubt that will happen.

This team reminds of the 2008 Dawgs. They both had an excellent season the year before, all of the pieces seemed to be there, expectations were high, but they took about 3 steps back and the season left a bitter taste in everyone’s mouths. I hope the Dirty Birds can get their heads in the game and right the ship before it really is too late.

by GritsBlitz on Nov 17, 2011 8:21 AM EST reply actions