Falcons practice updates: Calvin Ridley returns, Kaleb McGary out

The Atlanta Falcons (2-3) got some rest in Week 6 and will look for their third win of the year in Week 7 when they play the Miami Dolphins (1-5) on the road. On Monday, the Falcons returned to the practice field and some familiar faces, including star receiver Calvin Ridley, returned as well.

The team also added a special teams ace to the practice squad. Here are your Falcons updates from Monday.

Ridley returns

Ridley didn’t make the trip to London in Week 5 for personal reasons, but the Falcons were able to come away with a win despite their star receiver’s absence. Luckily, the team won’t have to get by for much longer as Ridley returned to practice on Monday.

The former first-round pick out of Alabama has 27 catches for 255 yards and one touchdown this season. Ridley’s longest catch of the year is just 22 yards, illustrating just how much the Falcons have struggled to beat defenses deep. Hopefully Ridley’s return in Week 7, along with rookie Kyle Pitts’ emergence, is enough to get Atlanta’s offense clicking this weekend against a struggling Dolphins team.

Russell Gage, Marlon Davidson back at practice

Russell Gage has had a quiet year, but he’s still a starting receiver on a team without a ton of depth at the position. With both Ridey and Gage returning. the offense should get a nice shot in the arm. Second-year defensive lineman Marlon Davidson and cornerback Fabian Moreau were also back at practice on Monday.

Kaleb McGary, Erik Harris OUT

The Falcons may have returned to practice much healthier than they left in Week 5, but there was no sign of starting right tackle Kaleb McGary, safety Erik Harris or cornerback/punt returner Avery Williams. McGary played in Week 5, but both Harris and Williams sat out due to injuries.

Atlanta’s offensive line continues to play better, so hopefully McGary won’t miss any time. As for Harris, his absence opened the door for safety Jaylinn Hawkins to have a big game in Week 5. Hawkins came away with his first career interception and arguably earned himself more playing time regardless of Harris’ injury status.

Falcons sign LB Daren Bates to practice squad

Bates has eight years of NFL experience as a special teams contributor. While he’s never started a game, the 30-year-old linebacker also has experience with both head coach Arthur Smith and defensive coordinator Dean Pees from his four years in Tennessee (2017-2020).

Keep track of the team’s 53-man roster and practice squad using our Falcons tracker.

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