Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones and center Alex Mack will be held out of practice this week to rest and recover from injuries in preparation for the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots.
Jones aggravated a toe sprain in a 36-20 divisional playoff win over the Seattle Seahawks, while Mack injured his left ankle in Sunday's 44-21 victory over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game.
Falcons coach Dan Quinn, appearing on 92.9 The Game Radio on Wednesday morning, said Jones and Mack won't practice during the bye week ahead of Super Bowl LI on Feb. 5 at NRG Stadium in Houston.
"We're going to rest two players this week, that's Alex Mack and Julio, in preparation for them when we get down to Houston so they're able to participate in practices,'' Quinn said. "That's the goal that we set out for them, and that's the game plan. They'll be able to play. But past those two, we're healthy getting into our preparation on the field today.''
Jones, who initially sustained the injury in a Week 13 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, led the Falcons with 83 receptions and 1,409 receiving yards during the regular season despite missing two games. His six touchdown receptions tied for the team lead.
The toe aggravation didn't limit Jones' impact against the Packers as he caught nine passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns.
Mack exited Sunday's game when teammate Devonta Freeman fell on his ankle. Mack returned to the game although the injury was not fully healed, playing in 67 of 73 offensive snaps against the Packers.
The Falcons will practice at a team headquarters Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, before flying to Houston on Sunday.
