Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley and defensive end Takk McKinley were both selected in the first round of the draft, but their careers seem to be going in different directions.
Ridley, who’s in the middle of a breakout season, left Atlanta’s Week 8 matchup against the Carolina Panthers with a foot injury. Meanwhile, McKinley was held out of the game as the team was rumored to be in trade talks for the fourth-year edge rusher.
On Wednesday morning, McKinley sent out a tweet that’s sure to irritate the Falcons’ coaching staff and front office. He said the team had turned down trade offers for him at the last two trade deadlines, with a clown emoji thrown in for good measure.
These @AtlantaFalcons turned down a 2nd round draft pick when I requested to get traded last year.
The same @AtlantaFalcons turned down a 5th and 6th round draft pick from multiple teams when I requested to get traded this year. I only have 17.5 career sacks.
🤡🤡🤡
— Takkarist McKinley (@Takk) November 4, 2020
Interim head coach Raheem Morris addressed both former first-round picks prior to Wednesday’s practice. Regarding Ridley, Morris said he wouldn’t practice and is considered day-to-day with a mid-foot injury, per Jason Butt of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Calvin Ridley won't practice but Raheem Morris considers him day-to-day. Ruled an ankle injury during last Thursday's game, Morris said it is a mid-foot injury.
— Jason Butt (@JasonHButt) November 4, 2020
As for McKinley, Morris is clearly disappointing in the former UCLA standout, saying Takk would be held accountable for his actions.
Raheem Morris said Takk McKinley is handling this situation in the wrong manner and he will be held accountable for his actions.
— Jason Butt (@JasonHButt) November 4, 2020
The Falcons host the Denver Broncos in Week 9 from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Foot injury or not, it sounds like Ridley has a better chance of suiting up on Sunday than McKinley.
More Raheem Morris on Takk McKinley: "There's an option to suspend and there's an option not to play. … We'll talk to Takk and get that thing done."
— Jason Butt (@JasonHButt) November 4, 2020
