The Atlanta Falcons placed inside linebacker Deion Jones on the Physically Unable to Perform list on Thursday due to a shoulder injury.
Jones had offseason surgery in May, so it’s not a surprise that he’s not ready to practice for the start of camp, although considering his lack of availability this offseason, it’s a big blow for the rebuilding Falcons.
The 27-year-old has recorded 100-plus combined tackles in five of his six NFL seasons with the Falcons, but he could be traded or released before the start of the 2022 season. A Pro Bowler in his second season in 2017, Jones finished last year with 137 tackles (87 solo), two sacks, eight tackles for loss, four QB hits and six passes defensed in 16 games played. It remains to be seen how effective he’ll be to begin the season after missing nearly all of the team’s offseason work.