Julio Jones participated in Friday’s practice, though in a limited fashion. The 12-year veteran wide receiver worked off to the side on individual drills while recovering from his knee injury. In the 19-3 Week 1 win over the Dallas Cowboys, Jones caught three-of-five targets for 69-yards and showed glimpses of the “prime Julio Jones” fans were hoping for. Unfortunately, an awkward landing tweaked his knee, and Jones has not seen the field since. While there has been no official update on what is wrong with his knee, it was a welcomed sign to see the veteran getting in some work after logging consecutive DNP (did not practice) starting with Wednesday’s injury report.
“He will likely be a game-time decision,” Bowles said of Jones’s status following Friday’s practice. The struggles for Jones to stay on the field over the last two seasons are highly documented and have been huge talking points for Buccaneers fans since he was signed on July 26, 2022. Mike Evans was asked ahead of last Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints about the impact a player like Jones can still have on the field. “Unfortunately, over the last couple of seasons, he was injured. But, when he’s healthy, he’s still one of the best in the game,” Evans said.
Having Julio Jones, Mike Evans, and Chris Godwin is an embarrassment of riches. Add Russell Gage, and this is the best wide receiving corps the Buccaneers have ever had. 😤#GoBucs pic.twitter.com/Xn0K84gQ8r
— Channelside Sports Network (@chsidesports) September 15, 2022
Anytime you have the opportunity to sign a player the caliber of Jones, you take the risk. It is a calculated risk, though. There was a reason he was still a free agent when the Buccaneers signed him. He’s on the backend of a tremendous career and has been injury plagued for the last two seasons. At this stage in his career, a player like Jones, whom you do not need to rely on to be your WR1 or WR2, is a luxury – and a luxury the Buccaneers hope to have back very soon.