Julio Jones INACTIVE for Week 13 on Thanksgiving

Julio Jones is inactive for Thanksgiving night’s matchup in Atlanta. Jones tested his shoulder before the game, but after a long walk and talk with coach Dan Quinn around the field, it appears they decided it wasn’t worth the risk. The Falcons are 3-7 and out of playoff contention, which probably helped guide this decision, as Jones often plays through nagging injuries.

Fantasy Football Analysis: Atlanta Falcons WRs Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, Russell Gage

With Jones out, Calvin Ridley and Russell Gage get big bumps in work. Christian Blake had nine targets last week with Jones hurting, but only caught two passes for 16 yards. Last week’s targets and the absence of Jones should be enough to keep Blake in the fantasy conversation.

Marshon Lattimore will return from his hamstring injury and could make life difficult for Ridley, opening up more work for Gage and Blake. And with Austin Hooper still out, we could see Hardy get work as well, but Devonta Freeman’s return could be filled with targets from Matt Ryan. Freeman’s PPR appeal gets a bump.