Coach Smith says Julio Jones 'progressing well'

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FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith isn't sure when receiver Julio Jones will return to full speed.

Smith said Jones, whose 2013 season ended with a broken foot in Week 5, is "progressing well" following surgery last October.

"Our focus on Julio is one thing, and that's having him prepared for our opener," Smith said. "We're not going to do anything to hinder his timeframe in terms of getting back to work with us."

Jones led the NFL with 41 catches and ranked second in yards receiving through Atlanta's home loss to the New York Jets last Oct. 7.

Jones, the sixth overall draft pick three years ago, was a first-time Pro Bowl selection in 2012.

Smith said Jones will participate in walkthroughs now that the Falcons have started offseason workouts.

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Copyright 2014 by The Associated Press

This story is from ESPN.com's automated news wire. Wire index

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