Falcons Part Ways with Wide Receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III

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Falcons Part Ways with Wide Receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III

The Atlanta Falcons have officially parted ways with wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III. This announcement was made on Tuesday following his tenure with the team, which began in 2024.

McCloud’s Tenure with the Falcons

During his time with Atlanta, McCloud started 14 games and participated in 21 out of a possible 23 games. However, he missed the last two matches, being a healthy scratch in Week 6 against the Buffalo Bills and Week 7 against the San Francisco 49ers.

Coaching Comments

Head coach Raheem Morris provided insight into McCloud’s situation. During a media session on Monday, he mentioned that the decision regarding McCloud’s status was ongoing. “None yet,” he noted, indicating that discussions were still taking place.

Performance Overview

  • In the first four games of the season, McCloud recorded six receptions for 64 yards.
  • He also contributed to special teams, returning two kicks and four punts.

Recent Inactivity

McCloud’s absence from the field raised questions, especially as he was not listed on the injury report prior to Week 6. Coach Morris clarified this in a postgame conference, attributing the decision to bench McCloud as a coaching choice rather than a disciplinary issue.

Coaching Changes and Impact

The Falcons recently made changes to their coaching staff, including the departure of wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard. This occurred shortly before McCloud’s increased inactivity. When asked if McCloud’s situation was tied to Hilliard’s exit, Morris denied any correlation, emphasizing that it was an internal matter.

Falcons’ Current Wide Receiver Lineup

Despite McCloud’s release, the Falcons maintain a strong wide receiver group. Key players include:

  • Drake London
  • Darnell Mooney
  • Casey Washington
  • Jamal Agnew
  • KhaDarel Hodge
  • David Sills V

Upcoming Game

This Sunday, the Falcons will face the Miami Dolphins at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The game is scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. ET. Atlanta holds a current record of 3-3, while Miami is at 1-6.