The Atlanta Falcons will be without their top two wide receivers Calvin Ridley and Russell Gage in London on Sunday against the New York Jets. Calvin Ridleys are out for personal reasons while Russell Gage is dealing with an ankle injury. This will be the second game in a row that the Jets have played a team without their top two options at wide receiver. Zach Wilson won the first game of his NFL career last week against the Titans in that scenario.
Calvin Ridley and Russell Gage BOTH not playing this week.#Jets will face a team with poor WR depth without their top 2 WRs for the second consecutive week.
— The Jet Press (@TheJetPress) October 7, 2021
Cordarrelle Patterson could legitimately be the Falcon’s WR1 this week and will still see touches out of the backfield.
He might cool off soon, but I’m starting him everywhere this week with Calvin Ridley and Russell Gage out.
— Dave Kluge (@DaveKluge) October 7, 2021
The New York Jets proved last week that they are capable of winning games when given the chance. Atlanta does not have anyone close to the caliber of Derrick Henry on the field. That being said the Falcons can still attempt to win the game by targeting players like Kyle Pitts, Mike Davis, and Cordarrelle Patterson. If Matt Ryant can’t do that then the game could get ugly in London.
WR Russell Gage with an absolute DIME to WR Calvin Ridley ? pic.twitter.com/i9ifY9t3zo
— Def Pen Sports (@DefPenSports) December 13, 2020
These two receivers are incredibly important to this offense, but this year may be lost already. The Falcons need more talent on this roster and losing to the Jets would help their 2022 NFL Draft position a lot. Things could get sloppy for both teams on Sunday in London, England.