Julio to return vs. Panthers after 1-game absence

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones will return Sunday against the Carolina Panthers after missing one game with a shoulder injury, head coach Dan Quinn said, according to Vaughn McClure of ESPN.

Tight end Austin Hooper will also return Sunday after dealing with a knee injury. Rookie offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom will be activated from injured reserve and start at right guard versus the Panthers, although he won't play on every snap, Quinn said.

Jones, who's tied for sixth in receiving across the NFL with 950 yards, was inactive Thanksgiving Day because of his shoulder. He worked out on the field pregame but was determined unfit to play.

Hooper missed three games with a sprained MCL. The 25-year-old was enjoying a breakout season prior to his injury, racking up 56 receptions for 608 yards and six touchdowns.

Lindstrom has been sidelined since breaking his foot in Week 1. The Falcons drafted him and Kaleb McGary in the first round of the 2019 draft, hoping the infusion of fresh blood would vastly improve an inconsistent offensive line.

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