collins of the Brooklyn Nets says he has received a

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - Julio Jones is a game-changing wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons — even when hes less than full speed.Thats why it was so important for the teams playoff hopes that Jones, recovering from a hip injury, returned to practice Friday. The Falcons will need their top offensive threat when the NFC South title is on the line Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.Despite missing one game with the injury two weeks ago, Jones leads the NFC with 100 catches and 1,535 yards receiving. He had seven catches for 107 yards in last weeks win at New Orleans, even though he continues to battle the injury.Im not there yet, I can tell you that, Jones said Friday when asked if he was close to 100 per cent.Quarterback Matt Ryan said Jones impressed his teammates by playing through the injury last week.Everybody in this locker room knows how much this means to him and how competitive of a guy he is and how tough of a player he is, Ryan said. I think guys really respect him for that.The Falcons may be without starting running back Steven Jackson (quadriceps) against the Panthers. Jacksons injury makes Jones status especially important.Julio is an integral part to our offence and our football team, coach Mike Smith said Friday. Hes very explosive. He creates explosive plays and he creates mismatches for defences. Its going to be very important for us to create some explosive plays in the game this week.Jones said he plans to play Sunday, though he was designated as questionable instead of probable on Fridays injury report.Its a mindset, Jones said. I know Ive got to be out there for my teammates and if I tell those guys upstairs and Mike Smith that Im ready to go, then Im ready to go and Im going to give it my all.Jones is enjoying a strong finish to the regular season. He has three straight games with at least 100 yards. He had 10 catches for 189 yards and a touchdown in a home win over Arizona on Nov. 30. Jones followed that with 11 catches for a franchise-record 259 yards and a touchdown at Green Bay on Dec. 8. He missed the loss to Pittsburgh on Dec. 14.Julio has had an unbelievable year, Ryan said. The production that hes showed has been impressive. Even for a teammate to step back and look at it, hes been incredibly impressive.Jones had 79 receptions for 1,198 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2012, his second season. He was leading the NFL in catches when his 2013 season ended with a broken bone in his right foot in a Week 5 loss to the Jets. He broke the same bone during his college career at Alabama.Jones earned his second Pro Bowl berth this year. His play has been a rare positive in a mostly disappointing season for the Falcons (6-9).A win Sunday would give Atlanta a home playoff game the following week.The thing I like about this game is the opportunity, Jones said.Receivers Roddy White (ankle) and Harry Douglas (foot) are listed as probable.The bigger injury question appears to be Jackson, whose status is questionable. He left last weeks win at New Orleans with the quadriceps injury.Jackson was on the practice field but did not have a helmet in the portion of Fridays practice that was open to reporters. Smith said all the players on the injury report were participating in practice at some level.NOTES: There was a light-hearted end to the practice. Players cheered and Smith served as the referee as the Falcons training staff beat the equipment staff in an annual flag football game. Smith cautioned the flag football teams against tackling because Were going to need you on Sunday. ... PK Matt Bryant (sick) missed practice and is listed as probable. CB Josh Wilson (hamstring) is questionable.___Online: AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL___Follow Charles Odum on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CharlesOdum Bryan Trottier Jersey . On Sunday, hell attempt to become the youngest driver to win a NASCAR Nationwide race on Iowas short track. The 20-year-old Blaney wont be the only kid pushing a podium finish. Pat LaFontaine Jersey . PETERSBURG, Fla. http://www.islanderssale.com/authentic-thomas-hickey-islanders-jersey/ .Connor Graham, Alex Lintuniemi and Sam Studnicka also scored for Ottawa (11-8-2). Liam Herbst made 21 saves for the win.Brendan Lemieux had both of Barries (10-10-2) goals. Billy Smith Islanders Jersey . Louis Blues are reportedly taking restricted free agent forward Vladimir Sobotka to arbitration. Scott Mayfield Jersey .com) - Delon Wright scored 17 points and No.LOS ANGELES -- Jason Collins of the Brooklyn Nets says he has received a text message from Billie Jean King and other messages of support since becoming the first openly gay athlete to play in one of the United States four major professional leagues. Collins says the text from the former tennis great was "very meaningful and very much appreciated." Collins spoke before the Netts practised at UCLA on Tuesday.dddddddddddd They resume their road trip with a game at Portland on Wednesday night. Collins signed a 10-day contract on Sunday and played 10 scoreless minutes in a victory against the Los Angeles Lakers. He revealed at the end of last season that he is gay, but was a free agent and had remained unsigned until the Nets needed another big man. ' ' '