Bears notebook: Falcons star Julio Jones a game-time decision

Falcons Pro Bowl wide receiver Julio Jones, who did not practice this week while nursing a sore hamstring, will be a game-time decision for Sunday’s game against the Bears. And as game-time decisions go, it’s a big one.

“He has the rare ability to do that when called upon if he’s available,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn told Atlanta reporters Friday. “The only way we’ll do it is that he’s ready to do his thing. We’ll take it all the way to the game with Julio.”

With Jones and Calvin Ridley, the Falcons have a productive tandem that will challenge a Bears secondary — particularly cornerbacks Kyle Fuller, Jaylon Johnson and Buster Skrine — that has been solid against the Lions and Giants but hasn’t been tested against even one receiver of Jones’ stature, let alone two.

Jones, who is officially listed as questionable, played through the hamstring issue against the Cowboys last week and had two catches on four targets for 24 yards. Having Jones on the field still seems to open things up for Ridley, who had seven catches for 109 yards and two touchdowns. Even banged up, he’s a valuable decoy.

“His presence. He’s Julio Jones. You can never sleep on him,” Bears safety Eddie Jackson said. “You never know what he has in store, what he can or cannot do. His play-making ability is through the roof.”

The Falcons will be without starting safety Ricardo Allen (elbow) and cornerback Kendall Sheffield (foot).

Bears healthy

The Bears’ injury report is virtually clean heading into Sunday’s game. Outside linebacker Khalil Mack (knee) and defensive tackle Mario Edwards Jr. (glute) are questionable. Mack was limited in Friday’s cool-down practice but is expected to play. Edwards, who played eight snaps in his first game with the Bears last week, had full participation in practice.

Bears partner with PointsBet

As legal sports gambling becomes increasingly intertwined with professional sports, the Bears (+3 vs. the Falcons) on Friday named PointsBet their first betting sponsor.

The terms of the deal allow PointsBet to use the Bears’ wordmark and logo on its app and website, and explore advertising with the team.

PointsBet said it expects to open brick-and-mortar locations, with Hawthorne Racecourse as the flagship. There is no indication that the company is looking to partner with the Bears on a sportsbook, the way DraftKings and the Cubs have explored.

Goldman checks in

Nose tackle Eddie Goldman, who opted out of the 2020 season because of COVID-19 concerns, is keeping in touch with teammates.

“He reached out to me after the first game [against the Lions], telling me Happy Birthday,” said Bilal Nichols, Goldman’s replacement who turned 24 on Sept. 14, “and told me to keep working, keep crafting and I looked good. Hearing that coming from him was a big deal.

“He’s still watching. He’s still cheering. He’s still giving me feedback. He’s still helping. That just shows you the type of guy Eddie is.”