Calvin Ridley will not make trip to London with Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are heading into Week 5 action hoping to secure a win over the New York Jets.
However, the team will travel to London for Sunday’s game without Calvin Ridley. The star wideout misses the game due to a personal undisclosed matter. On Thursday, coach Arthur Smith said the franchise is giving him the space he needs to attend the matter.
“We are in support of Calvin during this time and will respect his privacy on the matter,” Smith said via ESPN.
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Ridley has been the team’s top receiving option this season. He has 27 catches for 255 receiving yards and a touchdown. He’s coming off a strong showing in the loss against the Washington Football Team, where he recorded seven catches for 80 receiving yards.
Ridley’s absence puts a larger strain on the Falcons’ passing game as they are already without Justin Gage due to a nagging ankle injury he suffered in Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It leaves star quarterback Matt Ryan to turn to Olamdie Zaccheaus and Tajae Sharpe.
Zaccheaus has provided some production this year with six catches for 69 yards and a touchdown. He’s made three starts in his 25 career games. Meanwhile, Sharpe has also played a minimal role in the passing game with four catches for 29 receiving yards.
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Meanwhile, tight ends Kyle Pitts and Hayden Hurst have been more than dependable options in the passing game. The Falcons may also turn to Cordarelle Patterson as he’s played a mixture of running back and wide receiver this season.
It’s a significant blow in the passing game, but the Falcons possess more than enough to push the team forward over the Jets.
