Atlanta Falcons‘ first-choice wide receiver Calvin Ridley will not play in Sunday’s game against the New York Jets in London for personal reasons.

The team announced on Thursday that Ridley would not accompany the Falcons to London “due to a personal matter.” He was not present for today’s practice session.

“We are in support of Calvin during this time and will respect his privacy on the matter,” the team said in a statement, according to Associated Press.

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The absence of Ridley will handicap the Falcons at the position as Russell Gage is set to miss another game with an ankle injury. Ridley leads Atlanta with 27 catches for 255 yards. He has only one touchdown reception. 

Ridley had seven receptions for 80 yards in last week’s 34-30 defeat to Washington, but he also had two drops. Ridley’s performance was regarded as “up and down” by coach Arthur Smith on Monday.

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“We expect more and Calvin knows that,” Smith said, AP reported. “I’m not telling anything that I don’t tell the players. He’s one of our top guys. He’s one of our captains. Nobody’s got higher expectations than he does for himself than we do so that’s why I call his number. I believe in Calvin but like all of us, we can all play better.”

Following the trade of Julio Jones to Tennessee, Ridley was anticipated to lead the wide receivers. Ridley has the most targets on the squad with 42.

In 2020, Ridley achieved new career highs with 90 receptions for 1,374 yards. He had a total of nine touchdown catches.

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Because of the unexpected depth concern at wide receiver, running back Cordarrelle Patterson, who had three touchdown catches against Washington, may see more opportunities.

It may also open up more opportunities for rookie tight end Kyle Pitts, who has 15 catches for 189 yards but has yet to score a touchdown.

Olamide Zaccheaus, Christian Blake, Tajae Sharpe, and Frank Darby are among the wide receivers that might be moved up.

Marlon Davidson, a defensive tackle, will also miss the game due to an ankle injury.

With inputs from the Associated Press