According to Chris Vivlamore of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jones will not play in Sunday’s game due to a hamstring injury. Jones left last weekend’s game against the Green Bay Packers with the injury and while it seemed minor at the time–the Falcons are being extra cautious about making the injury worse for their No. 1 pick.

Jones is beginning to emerge as quite the popular target for Matt Ryan after breaking the 100-yard mark in back-to-back weeks prior to Atlanta’s Week 5 game against Green Bay. On the season, Jones has caught 25 passes for 358 yards.

According to Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com, Robinson was fined $40,000 by the league on Monday–but the cornerback avoided a suspension. Maclin took a vicious helmet-to-helmet hit from Robinson in the third quarter and it’s difficult not to wonder if it was intentional considering he had all of the time in the world to change his approach on the tackle.

Last season, Robinson was fined $50,000 for a hit on DeSean Jackson that forced both players to leave the game with a concussion–but the fine was eventually reduced to $25,000 after he appealed it to the league. This was one of those games where tempers seemed to flare between both the Falcons and Eagles plenty of times throughout the game and it wouldn’t be a surprise if these two clubs squared off again in the postseason.

Dan Parzych is the Lead NFL Content Editor for RantSports.com/NFL,  where he writes and edits NFL content for RantSports.com.

This isn’t the first time Robinson has done something this idiotic before.  His hit in last year’s game against the Eagles cost him 50,000 dollars before he had it reduced to 25,000.  The NFL is trying its best to wipe out concussions and stupid plays like the one Robinson pulled will not help.  Robinson is a repeat offender and I don’t think a fine will send the message.  If the NFL is totally serious about safety, Robinson will be suspended for a week.  Luckily for Maclin, he was able to return to the game.  Maybe next time he won’t be so lucky.

You won’t be able to wipe out every injury in the NFL, but it can be safer.  Some may not agree with the new measures on safety, but if it’s going to prolong the life span of players, I’m all for it.  Hits like the one Robinson delivered need to be wiped out and players need to know the NFL doesn’t take plays like that lightly.  Suspend Robinson for a game and let the players know that cheap hits on defenseless players are not tolerated anymore.

As Steve Wyche of NFL.com recently pointed out, Falcons tight end Alge Crumpler could only sum up Vick’s return to the Georgia Dome one way–”The stands will look like Christmas because there will be so much red and green.”

Despite the way things ended, the city of Atlanta still loves Vick and will never forget what he did for the organization before he was sent to prison. Vick returned to Atlanta during his first season in Philadelphia when he was a backup to Donovan McNabb and managed to record two touchdowns (one through the air and one on the ground)–but this return will be more meaningful now that he’s the official starting quarterback.

Unfortunately, Vick could be in for a long night against a Falcons’ defense that will be anxious to ruin his homecoming and redeem themselves from last weekend’s embarrassing 30-12 loss to the Chicago Bears.

Dan Parzych is the Lead NFL Content Editor for RantSports.com/NFL,  where he writes and edits NFL content for RantSports.com.

1. Michael Turner

Since joining the Falcons three years ago, Turner has always been considered a first-round pick in fantasy drafts–but he may slip to the second round in most leagues this season. Still, Turner has managed to produce big numbers (3,941 rushing yards and 39 touchdowns since 2008) over the last three seasons, so if he’s available in the second round–it would be wise to select Turner.

2. Matt Ryan

Ryan earned the nickname of “Matty Ice” last season for his clutch performances late in the game and will most likely be available in the mid-to-late rounds. He set career highs in passing yards (3,705), touchdowns (28), and completion percentage (62.5) in 2010 and with the key addition of Julio Jones playing alongside Roddy White–there’s a good chance Ryan will have another solid year this upcoming season.

3. Roddy White

2010 was arguably the best season of White’s career and displayed some monster numbers for fantasy owners (11 receptions for 201 receiving yards and two touchdowns against the Cincinnati Bengals for instance) on numerous occasions. As long as he remains healthy, White will be considered one of the top wideouts once again and will be gone by the third round in most leagues.

4. Julio Jones

Expectations are high for Jones after all of draft picks the Falcons surrendered to acquire the former Alabama standout and has looked good throughout the preseason. The fact that he’s a rookie means Jones will be available in the later rounds and may be a good player to take a risk on considering he may benefit from playing alongside White and could see more balls thrown his way.

5. Jason Snelling

Snelling is one of those players that fantasy owners will want to have on their roster as a third or fourth running back in case Turner were to miss any playing time during the 2011 season. The Falcons knew it was important to re-sign Snelling this offseason and proved to be a reliable fill-in for the Falcons last season (129 rushing yards with two touchdowns against the Arizona Cardinals) when needed. He may not see that many carries–but it doesn’t hurt to snag Snelling in the later rounds considering how quickly running backs tend to go in drafts.

Drafter Beware: Tony Gonzalez

It’s safe to say Tony Gonzalez is no longer the same pass-catching tight end from a few years ago–but his numbers are still decent considering he’s entering his 15th NFL season. With a strong receiving corps that will see most passes thrown to White and Jones–there are plenty of tight ends that should be selected ahead of Gonzalez.

Dan Parzych is the Lead NFL Content Editor for RantSports.com/NFL,  where he writes and edits NFL content for RantSports.com.

Be sure to follow Dan on Twitter @DanParzych

According to the Associated Press, the Falcons agreed to a one-year deal with Snelling on Sunday and he will compete for playing time as Turner’s backup with Jacquizz Rogers–who the team selected in the fifth round of April’s draft. Snelling finished the season with 324 rushing yards and two touchdowns, but it was his two performances against in Week 2 and 3 that displayed his value as a backup running back after he finished with a combined 191 rushing yards to go along with two touchdowns.

Dan Parzych is the Lead NFL Content Editor for RantSports.com/NFL,  where he writes and edits NFL content for RantSports.com.

Be sure to follow Dan on Twitter @DanParzych

Mark Craig of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported this week how Edwards claims to be “done with the Vikings” and has been spending this offseason focusing on his boxing career. The Vikings placed a first-round tender–which is good for a one-year deal worth $2.8 million–on Edwards, but he’s frustrated with the organization since his backup–Brian Robison–makes more money. Robison received a three-year extension from the Vikings worth $14.1 million (including a $6.5 million bonus) back in March–so it’s no surprise Edwards is frustrated.

After last year’s meltdown against the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs, the Falcons want to do everything possible to make sure they perform just as well–if not better–in 2011 and the next step in that direction is adding an effective pass rusher. Edwards has recorded 16.5 sacks over the last two seasons and is only 26-years old–so it’s no surprise the Falcons are interested in signing him.

From Craig’s article:

Edwards said the fight will go on even if the lockout ends and the league year begins before then. The Falcons reportedly have targeted him as a free agent or a sign-and-trade possibility if he’s restricted. That’s millions of dollars that could be put on hold for a boxing deal that Edwards said comes with a $5,000 guarantee and 50 percent of the gate.

Of course–the fighting refers to the boxing career Edwards has pursued this offseason. As great as this possibility sounds, the Falcons have to consider all of the draft picks they already surrendered to trade up with the Cleveland Browns in the NFL Draft–meaning it may be hard to give up more picks if that’s what it takes to acquire Edwards.

Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones: Round 1, Pick 6

Considering everything the Falcons gave up to acquire Julio Jones–he better be worth it. A tremendous athlete to have alongside Roddy White, but the main focus will be whether or not he can fix his problem of dropping balls.

Georgia linebacker Akeem Dent: Round 3, Pick 91

Akeem Dent earned second-time All SEC honors in 2010 after recording 122 total tackles (6.5 for a loss) and three sacks with the Bulldogs. Well built and very athletic–a great third-round pick for the Falcons.

Oregon State running back Jacquizz Rodgers: Round 5, Pick 145

The Falcons were already loaded in the backfield with Michael Turner and Jason Snelling, but the addition of Jacquizz Rodgers just makes the backfield that much better. During his three seasons with the Beavers, he rushed for 3,877 yards with 46 touchdowns–which is beyond impressive.

Miami punter Matt Bosher: Round 6, Pick 192

There’s really not much to say about punters in the draft, but it should be noted that Matt Bosher was named All-ACC Second Team.

Fresno State offensive guard Andrew Jackson: Round 7, Pick 210

Andrew Jackson has great size, but his durability is still a concern. Considering all of the free agents on the Falcons offensive line, there’s a chance Jackson could work his way into the starting role if he’s successful at the NFL level.

South Carolina defensive end Cliff Matthews: Round 7, Pick 230

The Falcons were in desperate need of pass rushers prior to the draft and the addition of Cliff Matthews gives them a guy that recorded 13 sacks over the last two seasons. He’s got great speed, but still needs to work on his agility.

Dan Parzych is the Lead NFL Content Editor for RantSports.com/NFL,  where he writes and edits NFL content for RantSports.com.

More from Falcons Central.

With the 27th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the video of analysis for the Atlanta Falcons is set to be released at 3:30 PM EST. Be sure to check out the Rant Sports Draft Page to see who Dan and Jonathan each picked for your team!

Here’s a look at the schedule for the Falcons:

Week 1 August 13–Miami Dolphins

Week 2 August 19–@ Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 3 August 27–@ Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 4 September 1–Baltimore Ravens

Dan Parzych is the Lead NFL Content Editor for RantSports.com/NFL,  where he writes and edits NFL content for RantSports.com.

More from Falcons Central.