Falcons place Calvin Ridley on non-football injury list

The Atlanta Falcons have placed star receiver Calvin Ridley on the non-football injury list, per Pro Football Talk. He will miss at least the next three weeks.

Ridley issued a statement on social media Sunday, stating he is stepping away from football to focus on his mental health. The Falcons made him inactive for last week’s game against Carolina.

The fourth-year receiver out of Alabama has compiled 282 yards receiving and two touchdowns so far this season.

“These past few weeks have been very challenging and as much as I’d like to be on the football field competing with my teammates, I need to step away from football at this time and focus on my mental wellbeing,” Ridley said in a statement. “This will help me be the best version of myself 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.”

Ridley also missed a game in London against the New York Jets in Week 5 because of a personal matter. He returned in Week 7 following the Falcons bye and had four catches for 26 yards and a touchdown against Miami.

The former Crimson Tide star’s message seems to suggest he will return when he feels ready. When that time will come, however, is unknown.

The Falcons lost to the Panthers on Sunday to drop to 3-4 on the season. They are currently in last place in the NFC South standings.

Atlanta struggled to pass the ball without its top receiver against Carolina. Tajae Sharpe led the team with five catches for 58 yards. Rookie tight end Kyle Pitts saw six targets but caught only two for 13 yards.

2017 was the last year the Falcons made the playoffs, and things don’t appear promising for 2021. For now, the most important thing is that Calvin Ridley is able to work out his mental health issues and make it off the non-football injury list soon. Once he does, he should instantly take back his role as the team’s top target.

Atlanta will face New Orleans at 1 p.m. ET this Sunday.