Tennessee Titans receive tough news on status of Julio Jones

Julio Jones will likely miss at least one more regular season game for the Tennessee Titans, according to one NFL Insider.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rappaport, the Titans placed WRs Julio Jones and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and pass rusher Bud Dupree on COVID-19 reserve list, meaning both players will have a wide array of hoops to jump through before they can return to the field.

Jones has missed six full games and parts of several others because of hamstring injuries. He had one catch for seven yards in last Thursday’s win over the San Francisco 49ers.

The former Alabama Crimson Tide star has just 26 catches for 376 yards on the season.

The NFL protocols state a player can return in under 10 days if they’re vaccinated and get the needed test results. If unvaccinated, they’ll have to miss 10 days for a positive test or five days as close contacts. As of now, it’s unclear when Julio Jones will take the field again.

To say Jones’ stint in Tenneseee has been disappointing thus far would be a major understatement. Even when healthy, it’s obvious the Titans are relying heavily on AJ Brown as their go-to option for targets.

Until Thursday, the former Falcons’ star had been dealing with a lingering hamstring issue.

Last Tuesday, Titans coach Mike Vrabel gave an update on Jones’ status for Thursday’s game vs the 49ers.

“We’ll see how he does in practice and see what he’s able to do,” Vrabel said. “We’ll probably take it down to game time.”

Jones ultimately played, but now it out yet again.

With the playoffs approaching, the Titans are still looking to get A.J. Brown and Julio Jones up to speed. With the possibility of a return for running back Derrick Henry as well, Tennessee could be a sneaky contender if they get their weapons going.