Calvin Ridley – Noteworthy
WR Calvin Ridley caught eight passes against the Saints for 93 yards and one touchdown. Ridley now has eight receiving touchdowns, tying him with Julio Jones for the most by a rookie through 11 games. He is one shy of tying the rookie record set by Junior Miller.
Damontae Kazee – Noteworthy
S Damontae Kazee intercepted a pass against the Saints and has six picks this season. That’s only two interceptions shy of the franchise record set by Ray Brown. He is the first Atlanta player with six interceptions since Thomas DeCoud in 2012.
Desmond Trufant – Noteworthy
CB Desmond Trufant played through a bothersome thigh last week against the Saints and did not produce one of his more memorable games. Head coach Dan Quinn said, “I’m more than pleased with the way he’s responded over the last few weeks.”
Devonta Freeman – Noteworthy
RB Devonta Freeman could return by the end of the season. He is back in Atlanta and head coach Dan Quinn said he would have a better assessment on the Pro Bowl tailback later in the week. It may be unlikely that the team would push him to return now that playoff hopes are all but finished.
Julio Jones – Noteworthy
WR Julio Jones had more than 100 receiving yards for the sixth straight week. He had 11 catches for 147 yards against the Saints. It was the eighth time he’s been over 100 yards in a game this season, the second-best in franchise history.
Matt Ryan – Noteworthy
QB Matt Ryan still passed for 377 yards against the Saints, but was intercepted once and lost a fumble. Ryan was sacked six times, matching the season high against the Steelers. He was also the team’s rushing leader for the first time in his career.
Derrick Shelby – Important – Injury – Transaction
DE Derrick Shelby (groin) was placed on reserve/injured by the Falcons Wednesday (Nov. 28). While he would normally eligible to be designated for return and begin practicing after missing at least six weeks and playing in eight weeks, the first game he would be available would be the Super Bowl. Shelby played in seven games for the Falcons this season, starting in three of those. He has recorded 10 total tackles, including one tackle for loss. He has played in 29 games over three seasons with the team, tallying 48 total tackles and one sack.
Jeremy Langford – Noteworthy – Transaction
RB Jeremy Langford was signed by the Falcons to the practice squad Wednesday (Nov. 28). He had been released by the Dolphins from the practice squad Sept. 5. Langford was selected by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2015 draft. During his two seasons in the Windy City, Langford posted 737 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns on 210 touches. Langford has spent time on the practice squads of the Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, and Miami Dolphins.
Ryan Neal – Noteworthy – Transaction
S Ryan Neal was signed by the Falcons from their practice squad Wednesday (Nov. 28). Neal was originally signed by the Philadelphia Eagles after the 2018 draft. He was signed by the Falcons during training camp and was signed to the team’s practice squad in September.