The Jacksonville Jaguars are only getting their first look of Calvin Ridley in action on the practice field, but his new teammates like what they’ve seen so far.
After the team’s first organized team activity (OTA) session Monday, Jaguars safety Rayshawn Jenkins raved about what the former Atlanta Falcons receiver can bring to the roster.
“I played against Calvin one time [during my time with the Los Angeles Chargers] and I want to say we beat them, but he gave us a hard time,” Jenkins told Hays Carlyon of 1010XL. “I would even say today was even kind of just pulled back some and I would like for you guys to see him in training camp.
“We’ve seen him out here really running at full speed and it looks … it just looks different. Today was just a little glimpse, but I’m pretty sure he has a lot more in the tank.”
Ridley, 28, played against Jenkins’ Chargers late in the 2020 season and he finished with eight receptions for 124 yards and a touchdown.
Russell Gage drops a DIME 😱 @GageRussell @CalvinRidley1 #RiseUpATL
📺: #ATLvsLAC on FOX
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/3alYfT3slD pic.twitter.com/216O1mKNSo— NFL (@NFL) December 13, 2020
Ridley missed most of the 2021 season after stepping away from the Falcons to deal with his mental health. He then missed the entire 2022 season due to a suspension.
Despite nearly two entire years off the field, expectations are high for Ridley. Jaguars offensive coordinator Press Taylor told reporters on Monday that he’s been “really impressed” with the receiver so far, and Ridley said in April that he thinks he could be an even better player than he was in Atlanta.
In four seasons and 49 games with the Falcons, Ridley had 248 receptions, 3,342 yards, and 28 touchdowns.
