ATLANTA -- Atlanta Falcons coach Dan Quinn said receiver Julio Jones' status for the Christmas Eve matchup against the Carolina Panthers looks promising. Jones is recovering from a toe sprain.
Jones missed his second consecutive game Sunday as the Falcons defeated the San Francisco 49ers 41-13. Jones went through a light workout during pregame warm-ups.
"I'm hopeful that he's back," Quinn said of Jones. "So, I think that he will (return). We're going to take it all the way through, practice Tuesday and Wednesday, and then we'll have a good shot. But I am hopeful for that.
"I can't say it's for sure until he can explode like he can, but I think he's a heck of a lot closer than he has been over the last two weeks."
Once again Sunday, others stepped up. Last week, Taylor Gabriel and Nick Williams combined for 131 yards on seven catches. This week, Aldrick Robinson turned in a career-high 111-yard effort on four catches and Gabriel scored another touchdown.
"Even when Julio is playing, he comes out the game sometimes," Robinson said. "When he comes out the game, we still believe we can be as efficient as we want to be."
The Falcons have other injury concerns besides Jones. Rookies De'Vondre Campbell and Austin Hooper exited Sunday's game with a concussion and knee injury, respectively. Hooper exited the locker room without crutches but wore a large knee brace. Quinn did not have an immediate update on those players.
If Campbell is unable to play against the Panthers, Paul Worrilow likely would move into the starting lineup at weakside linebacker. And if Hooper is sidelined for any period of time, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Falcons elevate D.J. Tialavea from the practice squad to be the third tight end and join Levine Toilolo and rookie Joshua Perkins.
Defensive lineman Adrian Clayborn (knee), cornerback Jalen Collins, safety Robenson Therezie (ankle) and receiver Williams (concussion) all were inactive against the 49ers, but Quinn said he expects to get some players back for Carolina.