Falcons first-round pick Calvin Ridley, who was selected 26th overall this year’s draft, is likely to return kicks in the second exhibition game, against the Chiefs on Friday.
Ridley was working with the kickoff return team Wednesday. He also caught punts throughout training camp.
“He’ll likely get a look at that situation,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said Friday.
The Falcons are attempting to replace Andre Roberts, who did not re-sign after an unspectacular one season with the team.
In the exhibition opener against the Jets, Isaiah Oliver and Marvin Hall returned punts, while Hall and rookie running back Ito Smith returned kickoffs.
Ridley, who runs the 40-yard dash in 4.43 seconds, returned two punts for four yards for Alabama in the 2016 season.
Ridley appears fine with the plan. When asked if he would return kicks against the Chiefs, he flashed a big smile and said, “I don’t know yet. We’ll have to see later on this week.”
Subscribe to "The Bow Tie Chronicles" podcast with the AJC's D. Orlando Ledbetter on iTunes or on the new AJC sports podcasts page.
About the Author
