All-world receiver Julio Jones was one of a staggering nine Falcons who did not practice Wednesday.
Jones, who has 16 catches for 181 yards this season, has a hamstring injury. Bears rookie cornerback Jaylon Johnson said Tuesday he was looking forward to the matchup with “one of the best receivers of this generation,’ and safety Tashaun Gipson on Wednesday called him the best in the league.
The other Falcons who sat out Wednesday: defensive end Dante Fowler (ankle), tackle Jake Matthews (knee), defensive end Takk McKinley (groin), cornerback Kendall Sheffield (foot), safety Damontae Kazee (hip), safety Ricardo Allen (elbow), linebacker Foye Oluokun (hamstring) and tackle Kaleb McGary (knee).
The Bears are in much better shape. Nose tackle John Jenkins (thumb) was the only player to miss practice because of an injury. Danny Trevathan, Jimmy Graham and Ted Ginn were given standard veteran days off. Outside linebacker Khalil Mack was limited, as he has been for every practice this season.