Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan has admitted that it will be "difficult to replace" Julio Jones after the wide receiver was ruled out for the rest of the season.

Jones fractured his foot during Monday night's 30-28 loss to the New York Jets and was told earlier today that the injury would require season-ending surgery.

"It's tough to replicate what he can do. Certainly one of the most gifted receivers in the NFL. That makes it difficult to replace that. But we have other guys that need to step up and, I think, will step up for us," Ryan told reporters.

"In those situations, we all have kind of been there before. It's part of playing in this league. It's a tough, physical game. He's got a great mindset about it, though. He really does. He's positive. He's upbeat."

The Falcons have had a disappointing start to the season, winning just one of their opening five matches to leave themselves third in the NFC South.