Atlanta Falcons rookie wide receiver Julio Jones left in the middle of Sunday's game versus the New Orleans Saints as he apparently re-aggravated his ailing hamstring. Jones expressed to head coach Mike Smith that he could return to the game, but the leadership decided to hold the Alabama product out the game.
"Again, we were going through the process with our training staff and doctors to determine if we could get him back in the ballgame and I know that he was doing everything in his power to show to the doctors and trainers that he was ready to go. But the determination was that it was in our best interest to hold him out. Of course, we want to have our players out there as much as we can, our best players out there, and he was definitely trying to get back on the field. That's what you want your guys to do." -- Mike Smith
The passing game struggled at times in the second half, and in the overtime period the Falcons failed to get a first down on three passing plays. That struggle lead to Mike Smith going for it on 4th and 1 on their own side of the field. That attempt failed, and the Saints kicked a field goal for the 26-23 victory.
For more on Sunday's game, check out The Falcoholic, SB Nation's Atlanta Falcons blog.