Atlanta Falcons: When will Justin Hardy get to play?
The Atlanta Falcons are rolling and have had one of the best offenses in the NFL through the first four weeks. Julio Jones is playing out of his mind and Matt Ryan is off to one of his best starts in his career. The running game is also flourishing and has everyone, including the fan base stoked for what’s next to come.
MORE: Falcons flying up the NFL power rankings
The Falcons’ last two draft classes are making a large impact in the Falcons’ success thus far. Devonta Freeman, Jake Matthews, Ra’shede Hageman and Ricardo Allen are making a huge impact as members of the team’s 2014 class and the 2015 class is also coming on strong.
Aug 1, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Justin Hardy (16) runs with the ball after a catch on the field during training camp at the Flowery Branch Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Vic Beasley, Tevin Coleman and Grady Jarrett have all had a great start to the year, but one player has yet to get a shot. Wide receiver Justin Hardy made the 53-man roster, but has been listed as inactive in all four games. This has left many fans and media wondering why this is.
Many figured after Hardy was drafted that he would come in and be Harry Douglas’ replacement as a slot receiver. Wrong. The Falcons have elected to use Leonard Hankerson and Nick Williams instead of Hardy.
Williams is the most curious of them all. Williams had a tremendous training camp and made the team, but many believe that once Devin Hester returns, Williams will get the boot. If this happens, what will it mean for Hardy?
It is appearing that Hardy will not play this season which is mind-boggling. Why waste a year of his talent? Sure, Williams is solid and has a few catches in 2015, but he doesn’t possess the set of traits that Hardy has. Hardy was a game changer while at East Carolina. He caught a ton of passes and scored a lot of touchdowns as well.
I am dying to see Hardy play in a game for the Falcons. Will he in 2015? Who knows. But, I highly doubt we find out before Hester returns.