WR Roddy White Ruled Out for Week 8 Game with Cardinals

Oct 7, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie (31) breaks up a pass intended for Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (84) in the first half at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Sigh.

Falcons head coach Mike Smith announced on Friday that star wide receiver Roddy White has been ruled for Sunday’s game against Arizona as a result of his hamstring injury. In addition, Smith said that LB Stephen Nicholas and RB Jason Snelling will not take part in the game, but the big bombshell here is White’s status.

It isn’t terribly surprising to see White ruled out for this game, as he hasn’t practice in nearly 2 weeks. However, the Falcons will be forced to pass against what it is a stout Arizona run defense, and White would have provided a different dimension than the other available receivers.

On the bright side, this should (in theory) give White an additional week to get 100% healthy for the first time all season, and that is something that the Falcons desperately need. Since injuring his ankle in the preseason, Roddy hasn’t been himself, catching 14 passes for 129 yards in 5 games, and with Julio Jones on the shelf, Matt Ryan needs him healthy.

There was a bit of positive news on Friday, as Mike Smith noted that RB Steven Jackson will be listed as “probable” for game. It would be his first action since Week 2, and hopefully, that will make up (at least partially) for the loss of White.

Stay tuned for more updates and a full game preview coming later on Friday.