With the return of Chris Lindstrom, Julio Jones, and Austin Hooper, the Falcons’ offense was finally at full strength for the first time since Week 1. And we got a glimpse of what this group might have looked like had they been able to stay healthy, slicing up the Panthers defense for nearly 500 yards and 40 points. Unfortunately, that will be the last time we see them all together again this season, as Calvin Ridley became the latest Falcon to hit Injured Reserve – he announced on Instagram moments ago.
Calvin Ridley says he’s out for the year with an abdomen injury: “Small thing to a Giant!” pic.twitter.com/RFoVmSYN9r
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) December 9, 2019
Ridley will miss the rest of the year with an abdomen injury after catching five balls for 76 yards and a score on Sunday. That pushed his season total to 63 receptions for 866 yards and seven touchdowns, and a lot of that has come over the last four weeks, since the departure of Mohamed Sanu to the Patriots. It’s a bit disappointing he won’t be able to eclipse the 1,000-yard plateau, but his progression since taking over as the #2 wide receiver should give the Falcons plenty of confidence in the position heading into 2020.
In his place, expect to see Russell Gage receive even more targets. Christian Blake will also see the field more, and Olamide Zaccheus, who caught his first pass on Sunday for a 93-yard touchdown, probably warranted himself some extra playing time as well.