Wissenswertes » and shots theyve been getting have been much improved ov

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - For Julio Jones, eight months away from football "feels like an eternity." Jones was on the practice fields for the Atlanta Falcons organized team activities on Tuesday, but only for conditioning work. The star wide receiver said Monday his rehabilitation is progressing well but "extra precautions" have kept him from being cleared for practice. "I am ahead of schedule but were not pressing anything," Jones said. On Tuesday, Jones was on the field with the team only for exercises. That came only after he had extra time with a trainer for stretching. Then he worked on running and agility drills as other players went through practice. Jones said he cant guarantee hell be able to participate in the start of training camp next month. "I dont know when Im going to get cleared," Jones said. "Its out of my hands." Jones recovery is crucial for the Falcons, who finished 4-12 last season after five straight winning seasons. Jones, a Pro Bowl pick in 2012, was leading the NFL in receptions in 2013 when he broke a bone in his right foot in a loss to the Jets on Oct. 7. He suffered a similar injury during his college career at Alabama. "It is a freak accident, breaking the same bone," Jones said. The injury history makes it easy to understand why the Falcons have been cautious with the rehabilitation schedule. Even so, the long wait for medical clearance has been difficult for Jones. "It feels like an eternity, just not being out there with my brothers," Jones said during a promotional appearance for Vita Coco, an all-natural drink he endorses. "Its been a very difficult process as far as that aspect of it but Im just going through the treatment and just being smart about the whole situation. "Were just being careful about the situation and making sure Im 100 per cent before I go out there." Quarterback Matt Ryan said there is ample time for Jones to make up for missed time during OTAs. "Julio has been in the building pretty much every day this off-season," Ryan said. "While he hasnt been able to be out on the practice field with us yet, weve communicated a lot. Weve talked a lot and certainly have watched film together and tried to work on things in the classroom so that when we do get the opportunity to be out on the field we can hit the ground running. "Our biggest thing, and coach Smith talks about it all the time, is getting to Week 1 with all our guys fresh and healthy." White joined practice on Tuesday for the first time in OTAs. Whites brother was shot and killed outside a South Carolina nightclub last month. "Hes been through a lot the last three or four weeks with his family," said coach Mike Smith. "It was good for him to be back with his football family. He looked great." NOTES: The OTAs will continue this week and, following an off day on Monday, the teams mandatory two-day minicamp begins on Tuesday. ... Ryan said free-agent addition Devin Hester, best known as a return specialist with the Bears, has worked at different receiver spots and even in the backfield. "Im not sure exactly how its going to shake out when it comes to game planning, but certainly hes shown hes capable of being really productive," Ryan said. ___ AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL Stephon Gilmore Patriots Jersey . Solomon Elimimian did not make the trip with the team after suffering what appeared to be a right leg injury in the teams regular season finale against the Calgary Stampeders. Kevin Faulk Youth Jersey . Louis, MO (SportsNetwork. https://www.patriotssportsgoods.com/Womens-Tom-Brady-Inverted-Jersey/ . The moves were the first punitive steps taken by the Dolphins since a report on the NFLs investigation of the case was released last week. Investigators found that guard Richie Incognito and two teammates engaged in persistent harassment directed at tackle Jonathan Martin, another offensive lineman and an assistant trainer. Steve Grogan Patriots Jersey . Its been two seasons in one for both parties and neither will look back on the first 18 games fondly. "I think I took the fall for a lot of things," said Gay, reflecting on his short time in Toronto ahead of Wednesdays game against his former club. Stephon Gilmore Womens Jersey . Torres tells Spanish daily AS "in football you never know where you will be inside one month. Im going to work hard, thats all you can do with this last part of the season so important.NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP GAME - THE KEYS: I cant wait for the game tonight and what should be an outstanding finish to what has been an entertaining NCAA Tournament to say the least. You can catch all of the action live tonight at 8:30pm et/5:30pm pt on TSN with the pre-game show before the 9:10pm et/6:10pm pt tip-off. Here are 3 Keys for each team. Enjoy! UCONN KEYS: 1. DOMINATE THE GUARD PLAY: Shabazz Napier and Ryan Boatright have been terrific so far in the tournament. Their ability to take you out of your comfort level with their tenacious defense and their ability to create and make their own shots is big. They are more experienced and, in my opinion, as talented, if not more talented, than the Harrison twins - they must dominate this match-up and frustrate the young guards. 2. REBOUNDING: Kentucky is +9 per game in the Tournament on the boards. That is a huge disparity and a big part of Kentuckys game is the second or third shot per offensive trip. UConn must neutralize this or theyll be in trouble. This is not one of UConns strengths. but theyve got to find a way to win the 50/50 battles and be physical. With the Wildcats, UConn is giving up lots of size inside. 3. DeANDRE DANIELS: After averaging 20 points and nine boards in his last three games, Daniels has to continue to be that versatilebig man for the Huskies inside and use his shot-making ability while facing the basket. Hes a tough cover and his ability to make the three-ball and lure you away from the hoop can take the Kentucky big out of their comfort zone a bit. They did a wonderful jjob stopping Wisconsins big man, Frank Kaminsky, with lots of attention.dddddddddddd Daniels has to pick his spots, yet has to assert his game early and establish the fact that hes a guy getting lots of touches and attract the double team to open things up for teammates. KENTUCKY KEYS: 1. LATE SHOT CLOCK & GAME CLOCK SITUATIONS: The Wildcats have really impressed me with their discipline and poise in the tight situations. Decision-making with the ball and the types of plays and shots theyve been getting have been much improved over the early part of the season. Theyve been excellent at being organized and fundamentally sound on defence with a great attention to detail as the game progresses. They must continue to be sound on both sides of the ball. 2. TURNOVER MARGIN: Take care of the rock. Thats what it comes down to. Kentucky has been really steady in this regard and helped prevent run outs against their defence. They are a very good half-court defensive team that has the quickness, athleticism, size and length to frustrate opponents. You get folks into that type of game and then grind them. UConns guards want to run and create chances in open space. The fewer turnovers, the more the style of play favours you. 3. MARCUS LEE / JULIUS RANDLE / JAMES YOUNG: Energy, offensive rebounds, blocks, deflections, post scoring effort plays and paint domination are major areas that these, among many of the Kentucky young front court players, can get the upper hand over the Huskies. Beat them to the punch and be the better front court. ' ' '