The Tennessee Titans have placed wide receiver Julio Jones on injured reserve.

Jones has battled a hamstring injury this season, limiting his impact for the Titans, who acquired him in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons in June. 

The seven-time Pro Bowler, who was limited to nine games with the Falcons last year because of injury, has made 21 catches for 336 yards in six games for the Titans.

He will now have to miss at least three games before being allowed to return.

The Titans sit atop the AFC having compiled a 7-2 record through the first nine games.

Jones will miss this Sunday's clash with the New Orleans Saints as well as meetings with the Houston Texans and New England Patriots.

His absence places further pressure on quarterback Ryan Tannehill and leading receiver A.J. Brown to carry the offense, which had already lost star running back Derrick Henry to a fractured foot.