:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65787353/usa_today_13580256.0.jpg)
The Atlanta Falcons will welcome back running back Devonta Freeman when they host the New Orleans Saints on Thanksgiving. They are also hoping to have wide receiver Julio Jones, but he is officially listed as questionable due to his shoulder injury.
Freeman has wrapped up his recovery from a sprained foot, and head coach Dan Quinn said he looks great after three practices, according to beat writer Vaughn McClure. Freeman injured the foot in Week 10 against the Saints and was replaced the last two weeks by Brian Hill and Qadree Ollison. Neither was particularly effective, so moving back to Freeman was an easy decision.
Jones injured his shoulder in the first half of last week’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He’s been banged up generally, but this specific injury cost him a few plays at the start of the third quarter. He did not practice on Monday and Tuesday and while he wants to play, according to Dirk Koetter, it’s a game-time decision.
Fantasy football analysis: Falcons offense
It’s been a rough 2019 season for Atlanta, and this applies to Freeman in particular. His rushing totals are down, with a pair of 88-yard efforts and then nothing else over 39 yards. He has been a consistent presence in the passing game however, which has boosted his PPR value. He’s a good PPR start this weekend, but a shakier standard league start.
If Jones is unable to go on Thursday, Calvin Ridley would be Matt Ryan’s No. 1 receiver, and then it would be a mix of Justin Gage, Justin Hardy, and whatever else. With Austin Hooper not playing, the Falcons would be extremely shorthanded in the passing game. That being said, I’d bet Jones plays.