Julio Jones of the Atlanta Falcons runs after a catch for a 73 yard touchdown against Damarious Randall of the Green Bay Packers in the third quarter in the NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome on January 22, 2017 (AFP Photo/Rob Carr)
Los Angeles: The Atlanta Falcons' Super Bowl preparations got a boost on Friday as star wide receiver Julio Jones returned to limited participation in practice after being sidelined by a sprained toe.
Falcons coach Dan Quinn said earlier in the week that he would rest both Jones and center Alex Mack this week as the team readies to meet the New England Patriots in the NFL's championship extravaganza in Houston on February 5.
Jones practiced Friday and Mack, nursing a left fibula injury, remained sidelined.
"Julio Jones participated some today," Quinn told reporters Friday. "He was limited. And we held Alex Mack, like the plan. We'll get both those guys back into action for next week."
Jones aggravated the toe sprain in a 36-20 divisional playoff win over the Seattle Seahawks, while Mack was injured in last Sunday's 44-21 victory over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game.
Jones, initially injured in a December 4 loss to Kansas City, led the Falcons with 83 catches and 1,409 receiving yards during the regular season despite missing two games. His six touchdown receptions tied for the team lead.
Despite aggravating the injury, Jones caught nine passes against the Packers for 180 yards and two touchdowns.
"I feel great," Jones said Thursday when asked about his fitness.
The Falcons are due to arrive in Houston on Sunday afternoon to start the final buildup to the second Super Bowl in club history.
They'll be chasing a first championship against a Patriots team seeking a fifth crown.
