Atlanta Falcons wideout Calvin Ridley revealed on social media that he won’t be at his team’s disposal in the near future. According to Ridley, he needs to step away from football “at this time” in order to focus on his “mental wellbeing.”
Ridley explained that the decision will help him to be the best version of himself “now and in the future.”
“I want to thank my teammates, the entire Atlanta Falcons organization, our great fans, my friends, and my family for all of their support during this time,” he added in a statement posted on Twitter.
Ridley wasn’t on the field for Atlanta’s 13-19 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. He previously also missed Atlanta’s 27-20 win over the New York Jets in London before returning for Week 7 game against the Miami Dolphins.
After the departure of Pro Bowler Julio Jones in free agency, Calvin Ridley entered the 2021 campaign as the Falcon’s first wide receiver. The Alabama product played in five games this season, catching 31 passes for 281 yards and two touchdowns. Ridley’s career stats include 248 catches for 3,342 yards and 28 TDs in three and a half years as a pro.
In Ridley’s absence, the Falcons will most likely turn to four-year veteran Russell Gage and 2019’s undrafted free agent Olamide Zaccheaus. They also have rookie Frank Darby and veterans Tajae Sharpe and Christian Blake on their depth chart.
