Falcons think WR Julio Jones returns this week

Dec 19, 2016

The Falcons feel good about having wide receiver Julio Jones under their tree on Christmas Eve.

Jones has missed the last two games with a toe injury, but worked out before Sunday’s victory over the 49ers. Watching him go through that workout left coach Dan Quinn feeling good about the chances of Jones returning to the lineup against the Panthers on Saturday.

“I’m hopeful that he’s back,” Quinn said, via ESPN.com. “So, I think that he will [return]. We’re going to take it all the way through, practice Tuesday and Wednesday, and then we’ll have a good shot. But I am hopeful for that. I can’t say it’s for sure until he can explode like he can, but I think he’s a heck of a lot closer than he has been over the last two weeks.”

Fantasy Impact:

Good news for owners who have made this far in their playoffs without Jones. The Falcons played it safe with Jones and his turf toe, perhaps knowing they had two very winable games against the Rams and 49ers.

today

Buccaneers WR Mike Evans practices for second straight day

Greg Auman

0 minutes ago

Cooler weather for Bucs practice today -- Wirfs and Evans practicing again. Still no Zyon McCollum, but Troy Hill and Greg Gaines were practicing today.

Related Players: Sterling Shepard, Jalen McMillan, Trey Palmer

Fantasy Impact:

Fantastic news for fantasy managers hanging on to Mike Evans: he should be considered a WR1 option immediately.

yesterday

49ers TE George Kittle "good to go" for Week 12

KNBR

yesterday · 5:34 PM EST

“I will be playing on Sunday. Very excited, can’t pass up playing the Packers. I will be out there for sure.”

George Kittle says he’s good to go for Sunday

Related Players: Eric Saubert

Fantasy Impact:

Kittle returns to a great matchup against a Packers defense that ranks 26th in TE aFPA. He should be fired up as a high-end TE1 once again.

Bears RB D'Andre Swift misses Wednesday practice

Kevin Fishbain

yesterday · 1:29 PM EST

Per Bears head coach Matt Eberflus: Ryan Bates remains in the concussion protocol. Elijah Hicks (ankle) and D'Andre Swift (groin) won't practice.

Teven Jenkins will be limited.

Related Players: Roschon Johnson, Travis Homer

Fantasy Impact:

This is definitely a situation to keep an eye on, as Johnson would have a huge workload if Swift were to miss Week 12. Homer has three rush attempts and zero targets on the year.