Julio says he'll be ready for MNF vs. Bills after 2-game absence
The Tennessee Titans are set to welcome back Julio Jones ahead of their prime-time matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
The wideout missed the last two games with a hamstring injury, but he was a full participant at practice this week and said Friday that he'll be ready to return on Monday Night Football.
"I'm going to be ready to go," Jones said, according to ESPN's Turron Davenport. "I'm putting the work in each and every day to prepare myself for Monday night."
Jones added, "I feel great," per Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk. "I did everything I needed to do. ... Just keeping a clear head, staying positive, and let everything else take care of itself. I'm out here practicing. I'm out here flying around. I feel good."
The 3-2 Titans own the NFL's top rushing attack. They've struggled to move the ball through the air, however, with their offense ranking 26th in passing yards per game.
Though Jones' production has been unimpressive in 2021 - 12 catches for 204 yards and no touchdowns through three appearances - teammate A.J. Brown believes Jones' presence will be crucial as Tennessee faces the league's No. 1-ranked defense.
"With Julio coming back this week, it gives us an advantage because you have to respect him," said Brown, who returned from a one-game absence in last week's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. "We've got to make plays. That's what it comes down to."
Brown tops Tennessee with 25 targets this year, but he has yet to meet expectations after leading the team in receiving in each of the last two seasons. The 24-year-old has racked up 130 yards and one touchdown on 10 receptions through four appearances.
Jones, a seven-time Pro Bowler, joined the Titans in the offseason in a trade from the Atlanta Falcons.