Five players to watch when Falcons host Jaguars in final preseason game

For the first time since last season, we saw Jones in a Falcons uniform again. Jones had a shoulder procedure done during the offseason and was excused from mandatory minicamp as he rehabbed post-surgery. Prior to training camp, the Falcons placed Jones on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, where he stayed until this week. Jones participated in both joint practices with the Jaguars, but there are still major questions surrounding him.

Now activated, Jones can play at any time without restrictions. But does that mean we’ll actually see him face Jacksonville? If he’s really wanting to compete for a starting spot like he said on Wednesday is something he wants, perhaps we do see him. But I am a little skeptical. He was running with the third- and fourth-team reserves this week. He was even in on punt coverage. Smith has said Jones will have to work to get back on the field because they’re not willing to take a starting spot away from Rashaan Evans or Mykal Walker.

So, does that work begin in the final game of the preseason? Would it behoove Jones (and the Falcons) to show teams Jones is healthy in case a trade offer presents itself? Or do the Falcons hold him back? We just don’t know, but we’ll find out soon enough.