Justin

Hardy

Hardy was a deep rotational receiver in Atlanta, falling between 133 and 221 yards in all five of his seasons with the team. He was also a regular contributor on special teams. The signing comes days after Chicago traded Anthony Miller to Houston so it’s possible that they see him as Miller’s replacement. While Hardy doesn’t project for a meaningful fantasy role, he will take on a few receiving and special teams snaps every week if he cracks the final roster.

Hardy has been ultra consistent in his five years for Atlanta. He finishes 2019 with 195 scoreless yards on 19 catches. He’s had between 14 and 21 catches and 133 and 221 yards in each of his five seasons. Hardy has maxed out as a No. 4/5 receiver in the NFL and will be a free agent in March.

A fourth-round pick by the Falcons back in 2015, Hardy never bettered 221 receiving yards in his first four seasons. He did show well as a punt returner last year, however, and has been a consistent factor on special teams. That should be his primary role moving forward.

Hardy has scored a touchdown in back-to-back games, but his production is difficult to justify chasing as Atlanta’s No. 4 wideout behind Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, and Mohamed Sanu with Austin Hooper also ahead of Hardy for targets.

The injury isn’t known to be severe. On Thursday night, Hardy worked as the Falcons’ first-team slot receiver between Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu in three-wide sets, catching just 1-of-4 targets for 11 yards. Barring an injury to Julio or Sanu, Hardy won’t factor into the fantasy football equation this year.

It’s a good sign after Hardy exited the third preseason game with a tweaked ankle. Hardy is working as the Falcons’ slot receiver in three-wide sets, though that isn’t necessarily a big role on a team that uses two tight ends and/or a fullback frequently. Aldrick Robinson is the top backup outside.

Hardy’s touchdown was one of the luckiest ones you’ll ever see, as Matt Ryan’s pass ricocheted off of Tevin Coleman with a defender all over him and into the waiting arms of Hardy. The Falcons’ lightly-used slot receiver, Hardy has no fantasy value and is not a must-hold in Dynasty leagues.

Hardy was limited all week, but coach Dan Quinn said he is fine and ready to go. Even playing, Hardy is not worth using in any fantasy format.

Hardy and Taylor Gabriel rotated in behind Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu, but Sanu left at halftime with a shoulder injury, leaving more snaps for the Nos. 3 and 4 guys. Hardy’s touchdown came on a shovel pass from four yards away. Even if Sanu sits Week 4, Hardy won’t be a recommended play against the Panthers. The running backs and Julio Jones would dominate looks.

His seven targets were second-most on the team behind Julio Jones’ nine. Hardy’s score came from seven yards out, and he could have had another long catch, but Hardy messed up his footwork on the sideline on a deep ball in the second half. Hardy, Taylor Gabriel, and Aldrick Robinson will continue to split snaps behind Jones and Mohamed Sanu in the playoffs.