Atlanta Falcons facing a crisis at the receiver position in week three

The Atlanta Falcons have a problem at the receiver position headed into week three. With the news that Russell Gage will be unable to go against the Giants, the Falcons are left with four receivers on their roster and only one who has proven he is an impact player.

Calvin Ridley will be the only Falcons proven weapon on Sunday though one could argue Kyle Pitts deserves to be in that conversation as well. Ridley will start at receiver alongside Olamide Zaccheaus.

Who the third receiver for Atlanta is in week three remains to be seen. Tajae Sharpe and Christian Blake are the only other receivers listed on the roster with Gage and Frank Darby both out.

The Atlanta Falcons need to add depth to a very shaky receiving corp

Choosing between Blake and Sharpe is a roll of the dice between two players who would fail to make the majority of NFL rosters. Without time to add a real receiving threat to the Falcons’ roster, Atlanta should roll with Sharpe.

Sharpe is a big-bodied pass catcher who has had some success in his career. His rookie season Sharpe caught 41-passes for 522-receiving-yards. A solid rookie season he has failed to capitalize on since.

Still, Ryan has attempted to use Christian Blake in the offense in years past and he has failed to make an impact. Perhaps with a veteran quarterback, Sharpe can be a serviceable second or third option for one week against the Giants.

Sharpe is 6’4 and a huge target against smaller Giants corners. Corners who struggled to slow down average receivers in week two.

This injury points out an obvious weakness for Atlanta, they need to add depth to the receiver position. Preferably Atlanta can acquire a veteran that can offer Matt Ryan a security blanket alongside Calvin Ridley and Kyle Pitts.

It is a position Atlanta must address quickly if they are going to have better options in week four against a much better Washington team.