Matt Ryan Fantasy Outlook Dropping After Julio Jones and Austin Hooper Injury Update for Thanksgiving Day Game

In the final game of Thanksgiving Day, at 8:20 p.m. EST, the Atlanta Falcons host the NFC South rival New Orleans Saints. Matt Ryan's fantasy performance has been down recently, averaging 10.3 fantasy points in his last four starts, and he now could be without his top weapon, as Julio Jones is questionable for the Week 13 game.

Jones did not practice for the Falcons this week, though this is not unusual for a injured veteran on a short week. He does not need to practice to play, but he will truly be a game time decision, as he deals with a shoulder injury.

Coach Dan Quinn said the decision will not be made until close to game time, and they need to make sure he can absorb contact on his shoulder before clearing him to play.

Ryan without Julio is bad enough, but with shutdown cornerback Marshon Lattimore likely back for New Orleans, this would mean the Falcons quarterback could have trouble targeting Calvin Ridley as well, making either Devonta Freeman or Russell Gage his next best receiving option.

To pile on all of that, Ryan is also expected to be without tight end Austin Hooper. With a touchdown catch in four straight games before missing the last two, Hooper's absence will amplify the issues for Ryan if Jones sits.

The Falcons' quarterback started the season by passing for 300+ yards in each of the first six games. However, he has eclipsed 300 yards just once in his past four games, and he has thrown three touchdowns to three interceptions over this same span.

Ryan is unranked in our Week 13 PPR rankings, and he should likely be avoided if Julio is sidelined.

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