The Atlanta Falcons are gearing up for Sunday evening’s road game against the San Francisco 49ers. Atlanta is coming off an impressive home win over the Buffalo Bills in which running back Bijan Robinson rushed for 170 yards and a touchdown and also had 68 receiving yards.
Wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud was a healthy scratch for that game and was with the team this week, but was removed from Friday’s practice in a move that had fans puzzled.
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“Raheem Morris says WR Ray Ray McCloud was sent home. He said it was a private matter between the team and McCloud. Morris said he doesn’t know if McCloud will return,” reported Marc Raimondi of ESPN on X.
Now, Morris has revealed a bit more detail on the reason for McCloud’s dismissal.
Ray-Ray McCloud III (3) signs a fan’s shirt before the game against the Carolina PanthersJim Dedmon-Imagn Images
“I sent him home,” Morris said, per Raimondi on ESPN.com. “Excused absence — home. Working through some things right now that are private with my young man, and we’ll figure those things out as we go.”
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Raimondi also reported that “a McCloud representative declined to comment on the matter.”
McCloud has been an important piece for the Falcons’ offense over the last couple of seasons, establishing himself as the team’s number three receiver behind Drake London and Darnell Mooney, and often sliding into the number two role due to Mooney’s frequent injury concerns.
He will be out again this weekend when the Falcons take on the 49ers.
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In the first half against the Bills, the Atlanta offense didn’t seem to miss a beat in McCloud and Mooney’s absences, with Michael Penix Jr. torching Buffalo’s undermanned secondary and Robinson breaking off an 81-yard touchdown run. Things bogged down a bit in the second half, with Penix Jr.’s accuracy concerns flaring up and the team having to rely on its defense to hold on for the big win.
Still, Falcons fans seem to have a lot to be excited about heading into this weekend’s matchup. The Falcons and 49ers are set to kick off on Sunday at 8:20 p.m. ET from the Bay Area.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 18, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.