FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (NWN) — Fantasy football fans are trying to figure out which Atlanta Falcons wide receiver to plug in for Calvin Ridley.
The answer may change every week.
With Ridley indefinitely addressing mental health issues, quarterback Matt Ryan is preparing to pass several players on Sunday’s game in New Orleans.
Although the fresh Sharp had five receptions in the 19-13 loss last week With Carolina as the fill-in for Ridley, Ryan isn’t expecting a single player to play the lead at wide receiver.
“I think it’s by committee,” Ryan said on Wednesday. “We want to get production by committee and try to use all our people in ways that can help us. We definitely trust Fresh. He has done a great job for us throughout the year.”
It would be no surprise if Russell Gage, who had no passes to throw his way against Carolina, was Ryan’s top choice against New Orleans.
It would also be no surprise if rookie tight end Kyle Pitts, who took only two catches for 13 yards last week, returned to the production shown to top 100 yards in each of the last two games.
Perhaps the most consistent option for Ryan is running back Cordarrell Patterson, who has 601 combined rushing and receiving yards this season with seven touchdowns.
The only other Atlanta players to have at least 600 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns through seven games were running Devonta Freeman in 2015 and wide receiver Andre Raison back in 1990.
Patterson and another running back, Mike Davis, each took five catches last week.
“You talk about not only getting the output from different people in the wide receiver group, but different position groups,” Ryan said. “We are fortunate to have a versatile player who can do a lot of different things. That will help us move forward.”
Ridley was scratched at the last minute against Carolina.
During the game, Ridley posted an explanation on your Twitter account. “These past few weeks have been very challenging and as much as I want to compete with my teammates on the field, I need to stay away from football and focus on my mental health for the time being,” he wrote.
Ridley wrote that Time Away “will help me be the best version of myself now and in the future.” He has not provided any timetable on his return.
Asked on Wednesday about Ridley’s situation for this week, Falcons coach Arthur Smith said, “I don’t know. Like an injury guy, we’ll get an update, we’ll find out. I can’t answer that.” because I do not know.”
Ridley misses out on Falcons’ 27-20 win On 10 October on the New York Jets in London, for what was then described only as personal reasons. He returned to take a touchdown catch in Atlanta’s 30–28 victory. in Miami on October 24.
Now with more information on why Ridley is away from the team, the Falcons are backing their teammates.
Asked if he’s approached Ridley, Ryan said, “I think it’s personal. I think the number 1 thing is that we all love and support him, wishing him all the best.” Whenever he comes back here, we are going to welcome him with open arms.”
___
More NWN NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL
.
