Julio Jones active for Falcons versus Panthers

As anticipated, the Falcons are getting Julio Jones back and will be without rookies Austin Hooper and De’Vondre Campbell against the Panthers. The addition of Julio (and Adrian Clayborn, who is returning from IR designated to return) could make a huge difference in a game the Falcons would very much like to win.

Julio, you’ll recall, torched the Panthers for 300 yards the last time out, while Clayborn could be a burr in Cam Newton’s butt on a day where the Falcons will need to keep him check. The Falcons are actually about as healthy as they’ve been over the last month or so, and the timing is excellent.

Without Campbell, the Falcons will turn to Paul Worrilow. Without Hooper, things should get interesting, because the Falcons now have Levine Toilolo, rookie Josh Perkins, and recently-promoted DJ Tialavea active and ready to go. My guess is that Toilolo will get the bulk of the work, primarily as a blocker, with Perkins mixing in as a pass-catching option and Tialavea primarily getting special teams reps.

Go Falcons!