NFC Notes: Buccaneers, Falcons, Redskins

Buccaneers

Buccaneers second-round RB Ronald Jones said he is unsure about how much playing time he will receive this season but is confident he will get snaps.

“I’m anxious to get out there,’‘ Jones said, via Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. “I don’t know how much or what plays I’m going to get, but, you know, I know I’m going to be playing, so every time I’m out there, try to make an impact. Just try to stand out.

Buccaneers RBs coach Tim Spencer mentioned that Jones’ pass-catching has improved since the start of offseason practice.

“They’ve improved since he’s been here,” Spencer said. “They didn’t throw him a lot of balls at USC. But his hands have improved, and if he keeps on improving, that speed is something else.”

Jones added that he can see Peyton Barber and himself being a similar one-two punch as Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram.

“I can definitely see us as a one-two punch just as the Saints do it with Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara,” said Jones.

Falcons

Falcons WR Julio Jones explained that it’s going to be “very important” for him and QB Matt Ryan to ensure that they’re on the same page when it comes to the red zone this year.

“It’s very important for me and Matt to be on the same page down there in the red zone,” Jones said, via ESPN.com. “Over the years, I have the ability to make plays, and he has the ability to put balls there. But it’s all about us being on the same page, not having to think when we get down there, knowing where he’s going to put the ball, and knowing what I can do before he puts the ball in there.”

Redskins

Redskins DT Daron Payne (ankle) said he will “hopefully” return to practice next week

“I wanted to be out here the whole time, but they wouldn’t let me. I was on the trainers about it to try to get out here. … Hopefully I’ll be back out here next week… I feel good,” said Payne, via John Keim of ESPN.