Christian

Blake

The Falcons also signed S Tae Daley, QB Jarrett Guarantano, OL Greg Long, RB T.J. Pledger, and WR Jared Smart. Blake appeared in 32 games for the Falcons in the past two years but rarely made an impact as a receiver. He primarily got his run as a special teams player, logging more reps on special teams than offense in 2021. He will need to secure a similar role to land a final roster spot in Arizona.

Blake appeared to be Calvin Ridley’s direct backup in Week 8, playing 54 percent of team’s offensive snaps and seeing two targets after Ridley left the game with a foot injury. No amount of poring over snap counts and pass route totals could have predicted Olamide Zaccheaus would be the beneficiary of Ridley’s absence. Zaccheaus ran a route on 32 of Matt Ryan’s 38 drop backs against Denver and caught 4-of-6 targets for 103 yards and a touchdown. Zaccheaus would seem to be in play next week against the Saints if Ridley is sidelined again. Predicting Atlanta receivers’ opportunity when Ridley or Julio Jones misses a game is the leading cause of stress headaches among fantasy managers.

This would be Ridley’s second consecutive missed practice with a mid-foot sprain he suffered last Thursday against the Panthers. Without a limited practice Friday, Ridley is unlikely to be active this week against the Broncos. Christian Blake played 54 percent of the team’s offensive snaps last week with Ridley missing in the second half against Carolina. Blake should only be rostered in (very) deep formats.

Blake didn’t have a career reception entering the game. The undrafted rookie had a nice contested snag on his first reception and is working as the offense’s No. 4 WR. Still, Blake is an injury or three away from having anything resembling a fantasy-friendly role.