Julio Jones to be game-time decision vs. Panthers with hip injury

Atlanta Falcons star wide receiver Julio Jones will be a game-time decision for Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Carolina Panthers, head coach Dan Quinn said Friday.

Jones is battling a hip injury but returned to practice Friday.

"At his core, he is a true competitor," Quinn added of the receiver.

Jones leads the NFL with 1,511 receiving yards to go along with 100 receptions and six touchdowns. In the process, he's become the fourth player in NFL history to record three seasons of 100 receptions with 1,500 yards.

At 5-9, the Falcons are already eliminated from the playoffs.

Should Jones miss the contest against Carolina, Calvin Ridley would likely see increased targets.