FLOWERY BRANCH — The Falcons (8-5) are set to host the San Francisco 49ers (1-12) at 4:05 p.m. Sunday at Georgia Dome.
Here are five things to know about the Falcons on Thursday:
1. JULIO JONES UPGRADED: Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones’ injury was changed from a turf toe to a sprain toe on Wednesday by coach Dan Quinn. “The good news is that a sprain toe is definitely better than turf toe which can linger or has more ramifications with how you treat it,” Quinn said. “A sprain is definitely something
that is going to get better faster than a long term turf toe that can need more work. That’s the good news.”
2. MATTHEWS, SANU BACK: Left tackle Jake Matthews (left knee) and wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (groin) returned to practice. Defensive end Adrian Clayborn (knee), cornerback Jalen Collins (knee), defensive end Dwight Freeney (rest), safety Kemal Ishmael (shoulder), wide receiver Julio Jones (sprain toe), safety Robenson Therezie (undisclosed) and wide receiver Nick Williams (concussion protocol) will not practice for the Falcons on Wednesday, according to Quinn.
3. BABINEAUX WANTS TO RETURN: Veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux, who was selected
in the second round of the 2005 draft out of Iowa, wants to return next season.
4. BEASLEY NAMED PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Falcons linebacker Vic Beasley Jr. was named the NFC’s defensive player of the week on Wednesday. Beasley Jr. had three sacks and scored his first career touchdown in Atlanta’s 42-14 win over Los Angeles.
He is the first Falcon and 10th NFL player with three sacks and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown since sacks became an official statistic in 1982.
5. PRACTICE: The Falcons are set to practice at 1:55 p.m. today. Quinn will address the media at 1 p.m. Wide receiver Julio Jones is scheduled to speak during the open locker room session, but will not speak if he’s not practicing. Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and special teams coordinator Keith Armstrong will talk with the media after practice.