NFL insider updates Julio Jones' status ahead of Titans-Jaguars game

The Tennessee Titans have been ravaged by injuries thus far in 2021. After starting the season blazing hot, injuries to running back Derrick Henry, as well as wide receivers Julio Jones and A.J. Brown have hurt their standing in the AFC.

The biggest loss was Henry — the former Alabama star was on his way to the MVP conversation with his performances. However, quarterback Ryan Tannehill losing his top two targets hasn’t helped ease Henry’s loss.

Now, things are looking up for Tennessee. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Jones is coming back for Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jagaurs.

“The Titans plan to activate star WR Julio Jones off Injured Reserve today, source said, and he’ll play on Sunday,” tweeted Rapoport. “The hamstring has healed, and Jones is ready for the stretch run.”

After starting 8-2, the Titans fell to the lowly Houston Texans before getting blown out by the New England Patriots. After a well-timed bye week, Tennessee is happy to know they’re getting reinforcements.

Moreover, Jones hasn’t seen the field since the Titans victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 7. After trading a bevy of picks for the former Atlanta Falcons and Alabama star, the return on investment hasn’t been great for Tennessee. On the season, Jones has caught just 21 passes — accumulating 336 yards and zero touchdowns.

In a wide open AFC, the Titans have a shot for a monumental, history-making season. However, they’ll need their offensive weapons to show up for their stretch run. As he returns to the lineup, perhaps Julio Jones can find his footing — and the Tennessee Titans can find their groove.

Update on Derrick Henry, Titans injuries

Furthermore, the return of Julio Jones isn’t the only good news coming out of Nashville. According to ESPN’s Dianna Russini, the team believes Derrick Henry will return “on the early side” of his recovery timeline.

Originally, Henry was reported to be out six to ten weeks — stated on Nov. 1 by Rapoport. Evidently, Henry is a different type of athlete, and an early return is in the cards for one of the league’s top offensive weapons.

If Henry can return to form prior to the end of the season, the Titans become an entirely different team. Tennessee’s attempts to replace Henry have been futile, because you simply cannot replace the greatness he provides.

As you can see, things are looking up for the Tennessee Titans. As they get healthier, the threat they pose to the AFC gets greater.