Jones has started 83 of his career's 85 games, but his place

with the first team is in jeopardy after returning to practice.

With his long absence from the team some signs of the business rumors

swirling constantly pointed to Jones' return to Atlanta.

However, Jones was activated from the physically disabled performance

(PUP) list on Wednesday and returned to practice

for the opening season against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Although this came as a surprise to some, Jones said after practice

that he thought he would be back for his seventh professional campaign.

Jones, 27, is in the third year of a four-year $57 million contract.

He has the highest cap hits of $20 million on the team,

placing him $5 million above the next biggest hit.