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Summary:
The Atlanta Falcons have released wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III after he was a healthy scratch in the previous two games. This follows comments from head coach Raheem Morris indicating the team was working through an issue with McCloud. The move also comes after the Falcons released wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard, with whom McCloud had a prior relationship. The team also signed offensive lineman Raiqwon O’Neal to the practice squad and placed offensive lineman Ryan Hayes on the practice squad’s injured reserve. The Falcons’ wide receiver group still has Drake London, Darnell Mooney, and Casey Washington, among others. The moves precede the Falcons’ upcoming Week 8 game against the Miami Dolphins.
News Article:
Falcons Release Wide Receiver Ray-Ray McCloud Amidst Internal Issues
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – In a surprising move, the Atlanta Falcons have released wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III, the team announced Tuesday. The decision comes after McCloud was a healthy inactive for the Falcons’ Week 6 victory over the Buffalo Bills and Week 7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Head coach Raheem Morris alluded to ongoing discussions with McCloud prior to the release, stating on Monday, “Obviously, going through that process right now, talking with him. But that’s the distraction that I’m dealing with, no one else.”
McCloud signed with the Falcons as a free agent prior to the season and appeared in 21 games since joining the team. In the first four games of the season, he recorded six receptions for 64 yards, along with two kick returns and four punt returns.
The release raises questions, especially considering the Falcons dismissed wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard on Sept. 22. McCloud and Hilliard previously worked together with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but Morris denied any connection between Hilliard’s departure and McCloud’s situation.
To address the roster changes, the Falcons signed offensive lineman Raiqwon O’Neal to the practice squad. Additionally, offensive lineman Ryan Hayes was placed on the practice squad’s injured reserve.
The Falcons’ wide receiver corps will now rely on Drake London, Darnell Mooney, and Casey Washington, as well as Jamal Agnew, KhaDarel Hodge, and David Sills V.
The Falcons (3-3) face the Miami Dolphins (1-6) at home in Week 8.
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