There is a big missing presence in the Atlanta Falcons right now. Literally, a big missing presence. Julio Jones stands a 6-foot-3, 220-lbs and he is out for the season with a foot injury that occurred during the Falcons' loss to the New York Jets. At the time the wide receiver was leading the league in receiving yards, now he is rehabbing an injury. While Jones might not be on the sidelines on Sundays, his presence is still felt throughout the locker room.
It is no secret the Falcons are missing Jones on offense. His injury came right at the time Roddy White was struggling with both hamstring and ankle issues leaving the Falcons incredibly shorthanded. However, with the fall of Jones came the rise of Harry Douglas. The reliable No. 3 receiver had been comfortable taking a back seat to both Jones and White, but a force into the spotlight saw Douglas answering the call to step up. He credits plenty of advice from Jones as the reason.
"After every game, I talk to him," Douglas said, via the Falcons team website. "He tells me what he's seen-this and that. It's always good. It lets you know that he loves the game, he has a passion about the game and he's helpful even when he's away from the game."
Jones advice has apparently not fallen on deaf ears because Douglas has become Matt Ryan's right-hand man. The Falcons have not done much on offense, but Douglas is approaching his first 1,000-yard season of his career. Sitting at 906 yards on the season, the receiver has excelled with the increased targets.
So where does that leave Jones. According to Douglas, the receiver is handling his recovery with great maturity and is eager to return even stronger next season. He could also return with a new pay raise. Jones is entering the final year of his rookie contract and the Falcons are hopeful at signing him to an extension soon.
Roddy White has reportedly already agreed to signing a new deal in 2014, leaving the team free to negotiate with Jones. The receiver is quickly becoming one of the NFL's best and will likely earn a top-dollar deal, something the Falcons are very willing to give.
