FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones will miss a game for the fourth time this season because of a lingering hamstring injury.
The team ruled out the prolific veteran for Sunday’s road game against the Los Angeles Chargers after he was held out of practice all week.
Two other starters for Atlanta (4-8) – safety Riccardo Allen (concussion) and offensive guard James Carpenter (groin) – also will sit against the Chargers (3-9).
After missing a Nov. 29 home win against the Las Vegas Raiders, Jones returned to the field for last week’s loss to the New Orleans Saints, making six catches for 94 yards. The hamstring injury also forced Jones to sit out against the Chicago Bears in Week 3 and the Carolina Panthers in Week 5, both losses for the Falcons (4-8).
Even if Jones is able to play the remainder of the regular season, this will be his second-fewest games of his 10-year NFL career. He played five games in 2013 before a foot injury ended his season.
Jones is the Falcons’ second-leading receiver this season with 51 catches for 771 yards and three touchdowns. Calvin Ridley leads with 59 for 905 and seven scores.
Running back Todd Gurley, who has been slowed by a chronic knee problem, was cleared to play against the Chargers. The only other player on Atlanta’s injury report Friday was starting right tackle Kaleb McGary, listed as questionable due to a personal matter.
Titans’ injury report
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Titans (8-4) will be without starting cornerbacks Breon Borders and Adoree’ Jackson during Sunday’s AFC South road game against the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-11).
Borders has started five of the past six games for Tennessee, which shares the division lead with the Indianapolis Colts, but he didn’t practice all week due to an injured hip. Jackson was limited in practice all week as he works his way back from a knee injury that put him on injured reserve hours before the season opener.
Defensive lineman Teair Tart’s one-game suspension also was upheld Friday for stepping on an opponent in last Sunday’s loss to the Cleveland Browns.
Outside linebacker Derick Roberson is questionable with a hip injury that limited him Thursday and kept him out of practice Friday. He has played six games with one start this season.
Both wide receiver A.J. Brown (ankle) and right tackle Dennis Kelly (knee) practiced fully Friday after not practicing the previous two days. Center Ben Jones (knee), left guard Rodger Saffold (ankle) and tight end Jonnu Smith (knee) all practiced fully Thursday and Friday.