FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — For Julio Jones, eight months away from football “feels like an eternity.”

Jones was on the practice fields for the Atlanta Falcons’ organized team activities on Tuesday, but only for conditioning work. The star wide receiver said Monday his rehabilitation is progressing well but “extra precautions” have kept him from being cleared for practice.

“I am ahead of schedule but we’re not pressing anything,” Jones said.

On Tuesday, Jones was on the field with the team only for exercises. That came only after he had extra time with a trainer for stretching. Then he worked on running and agility drills as other players went through practice. Jones said he can’t guarantee he’ll be able to participate in the start of training camp next month.

“I don’t know when I’m going to get cleared,” Jones said. “It’s out of my hands.”

Jones’ recovery is crucial for the Falcons, who finished 4-12 last season after five straight winning seasons. Jones, a Pro Bowl pick in 2012, was leading the NFL in receptions in 2013 when he broke a bone in his right foot in a loss to the Jets on Oct. 7.



Texan lineman
has lymphoma

HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Texans say offensive tackle David Quessenberry has lymphoma and has been placed on the NFL’s non-football illness list. The team said Tuesday that the 23-year-old Quessenberry had a persistent cough over the past week and was tired, prompting him to seek an evaluation. He is being treated at a Houston-area hospital. The 6-5, 300-pound Quessenberry is a second-year pro from San Jose State.