Falcons fans really would prefer Julio Jones sat out Saturday’s game vs. the Cardinals

The Atlanta Falcons play the Arizona Cardinals this weekend, and it looks like we may see Julio Jones for the first time this preseason. The team has talked about him being healthy enough to play, and it seems likely they’ll get him in for a series or two to knock the rust off.

As we’ve discussed this week, we’re kind of opposed to this, on the principle that Julio is a space-faring denizen of a pass-catching planet who seems superhuman to mere Earthlings like us, and risking his health for a preseason game seems unwise.

Overwhelmingly, you all said to sit Julio this weekend, regardless of whether he’s healthy enough or not. At the time I wrote this, the ration was something like 85% opposed and 15% in favor.

I’m not looking to stir up clicks for the sake of stirring up clicks here, and I recognize that our opinions matter much less than that of the coaching staff, who will have a stronger feeling for Jones’ status than any of us will. It’s just that Julio didn’t have surgery all that long ago, remains perhaps the most vital cog in a high-powered offensive machine, and has a long history of foot problems. Getting him on the field for a preseason game, even if it’s only for a single drive, just doesn’t feel worth it to me. Anyone can get hurt at any time, but not just anyone has Julio’s all-world talent and injury history.

Should #11 play? Sound off, and we’ll see if the Falcons follow through on their leaning to get him into the game.