FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – Calvin Ridley was on the practice field Thursday afternoon to start Atlanta Falcons AT&T Training Camp. He wasn't observing from the sidelines in a t-shirt and bucket hat, nor was he doing side work with trainers. Even better news regarding his health: Ridley wasn't inside, stuck on the physically unable to perform list.
The fourth-year receiver was running routes and catching passes with his teammates a sign of normalcy constituting good news about his recovery from offseason foot surgery. While he wasn't involved much, Ridley was active.
That's a positive development for a Falcons team needing him healthy and productive to start this season.
While Ridley's not currently full-go, he's working toward that status with zero rush to get there.
"We'll bring him along," head coach Arthur Smith said. "It's good to see him out there. He obviously didn't go on PUP. He's out there working, and now we've got to build him up."
RELATED CONTENT:
- AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp preview: Quarterbacks; Running backs; Receivers; Tight ends; Offensive line; Defensive line; Linebackers; Cornerbacks; Safeties; Specialists
- Why Terry Fontenot believes Falcons can win now while preparing for better future
- Falcons GM Terry Fontenot details why Matt Ryan is 'the right leader'
- Arthur Blank trusts Terry Fontenot, Arthur Smith to lead Falcons renaissance
- More info on AT&T Training camp: https://www.atlantafalcons.com/schedule/event-calendar/att-training-camp
Offensive line missing key pieces early in camp
The Falcons placed offensive tackles Kaleb McGary and Matt Gono on the physically unable to perform list Wednesday, leaving the line light to start camp.
While Smith didn't set a timetable for McGary's return, the incumbent starting right tackle might not be gone too long.
"It could be sooner rather than later," Smith said. "We're just being smart here."
Third-round NFL draft pick Jalen Mayfield should work extensively at right tackle, given the circumstances. While many believe he could be an NFL guard, he played outside in college and has a shot to compete for time at tackle as well.
While McGary's a favorite to retain his starting spot, it isn't his no matter what. He may have to parry a challenge from Mayfield with a solid camp once he gets back.
Smith said Gono won't work in camp, but the team placed him on PUP hoping he can return at some point this season. The swing tackle had surgery during the offseason, per ESPN, and could miss significant time. He will get evaluated again soon.
Defensive lineman Deadrin Senat is also on PUP, and Smith said the Falcons won't see him practice during the preseason.
Dante Fowler out to start camp, must 'earn a role'
Edge rusher Dante Fowler has started training camp on the COVID-19 list, one of five Falcons placed on that reserve sheet this week. It's uncertain how much time he'll miss, but he'll have to prove himself in practice.
"We'll have to assess it when he gets back," Smith said. "It is what it is. It's like an injury. You hope he's healthy and when he gets back, we'll [evaluate] him. He has to go out there and earn a role. He knows that."
The Falcons need Fowler circa 2019, when he had 11.5 sacks while operating at the height of his powers. Last season was a setback, as he struggled to find proper form with a new team. Grady Jarrett needs help generating a pass rush, with Fowler the team's biggest threat off the edge. If he can't get going upon return, that would be bad news for an already thin pass rush. If he's dominant, the Falcons defense gets better in a hurry.
The Atlanta Falcons kicked off 2021 AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp in Flowery Branch. Here are the best images from Day 1.
Atlanta Falcons running back Caleb Huntley #42, running back Mike Davis #28, wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson #84 and running back Javian Hawkins #25 run the hill at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Frank Darby #88 smiles as he puts on his helmet during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur M. Blank looks on during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Javian Hawkins #25 looks on at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
A generic image of a helmet at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Javian Hawkins #25, wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson #84 and running back Caleb Huntley #42 come down from running the hill at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Caleb Huntley #42 in action at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson #84 looks on at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 calls a play during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Frank Darby #88 talks at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 throws a pass at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons free safety Erik Harris #23 looks on at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson #84 walks with running back Mike Davis #28 at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Mike Davis #28 looks on at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 and wide receiver Tajae Sharpe #83 warm up during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Juwan Green #19 gestures at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 throws a pass at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #14 and Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 look on at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 looks on at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Matt Haley/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Jacob Tuioti-Mariner #91 runs a drill during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Qadree Ollison #30 smiles at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Dorian Etheridge #48 in action at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Ryan Neuzil #64 runs drills with the offensive linemen during the first day of Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday July 27, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard #99 and defensive lineman Olive Sagapolu #69 run a drill during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 in action at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Mike Davis #28 runs with the ball during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 looks on at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Caleb Huntley #42, running back Mike Davis #28, wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson #84 and running back Javian Hawkins #25 run the hill at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ta'Quon Graham #95 talks with Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver #26 looks on at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Delrick Abrams #25 makes a catch at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 in action at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank talks with Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Marlon Davidson #90 in action at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 runs with the ball during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Zac Dawe #93 in action at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank looks on at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank talks with Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 and fullback Keith Smith #40 in action at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
A detail shot of Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Tajae Sharpe #83 warming up during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #14 in action at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 looks on at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 looks on at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons long snapper Josh Harris #47 looks on at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 makes a catch at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
A generic image of a helmet at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 looks on at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 works with wide receiver Frank Darby #88 at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up during the first day of Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday July 27, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta Falcons offensive line run drills during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up during the first day of Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday July 27, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Tajae Sharpe #83 warms up before the first day of Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday July 27, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
A detail shot of Atlanta Falcons defensive back T.J. Green's #39 hair during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Austin Trammell #82 runs the ball during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Tajae Sharpe #83 runs drills during the first day of Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday July 27, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons punter Sterling Hofrichter #4 looks on at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back T.J. Green #39 drinks water during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Austin Trammell #82 runs the ball during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 warms up during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta Falcons run a drill during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Caleb Huntley #42 runs with the ball during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 runs with the ball during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Javian Hawkins #25 runs with the ball during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 catches the ball during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 runs with the ball during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Willie Beavers #72 in action at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 calls a play during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Chris Lindstrom #63, offensive lineman Jalen Mayfield #77, and offensive lineman Ryan Neuzil #64 run a drill during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Georgi Obinna #59 runs a drill during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Feleipe Franks #15 catches the ball during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Chris Rowland #12 runs with the ball during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Chris Lindstrom #63, offensive lineman Jalen Mayfield #77, and offensive lineman Ryan Neuzil #64 run a drill during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Chris Rowland #12 runs with the ball during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Chris Lindstrom #63, offensive lineman Jalen Mayfield #77, and offensive lineman Ryan Neuzil #64 run a drill during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur M. Blank and head coach Arthur Smith look on during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Georgi Obinna #59 runs a drill during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank speaks to the media at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank speaks to the media at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith speaks to the media at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 speaks to the media at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
