Julio Jones, Ndamukong Suh injuries give players, fans more reasons to hate NFL exhibitions

Ron Clements

Julio Jones, Ndamukong Suh injuries give players, fans more reasons to hate NFL exhibitions image

There is a reason NFL players would like for the preseason schedule to be shortened.

Four starters, including Julio Jones and Ndamukong Suh, left Thursday night's exhibition between the Falcons and Dolphins early because of injuries.

FANTASY SOURCE: WR rankings 

Jones, a Pro Bowl receiver, got tangled up with Miami cornerback Brice McCain while going after a deep pass from Matt Ryan in the first half. McCain was called for pass interference on the play. Jones got up with a slight limp, and the Falcons later announced he had an ankle injury. He was ruled out after halftime, though the Falcons said he would have returned in a regular-season game. 

Suh, the Dolphins' high-priced Pro Bowl defensive tackle, gingerly walked to the locker room with an ankle injury. He was listed as questionable to return, but the Dolphins didn't see fit to throw their prized Pro Bowler back into an exhibition.

FANTASY SOURCE: 32 teams, 32 sleepers

Falcons rookie safety Keanu Neal, Atlanta's first-round pick from Florida, was in on five stops before exiting late in the first quarter with a knee injury. He tried to corral Dolphins running back Arian Foster in the flat, but twisted his knee awkwardly on the turf at Orlando's Camping World Stadium. He was listed questionable to return, but ruled out after halftime. 

Falcons defensive end Adrian Clayborn injured his shoulder in the second quarter and did not return. He was taken to the locker room for X-rays.

Early indications are that none of the injuries are serious, but that could change after further evaluation.

Ron Clements