Atlanta Falcons: 5 Players to Watch vs. Tampa Bay

Sep 3, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Justin Hardy (16) returns a punt against the Baltimore Ravens in the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

With both WRs Leonard Hankerson and Nick Williams out Sunday versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, could this mean the NFL regular season debut for 4th round pick out of ECU WR Justin Hardy?

Hardy has been inactive in all the Falcons previous seven games. The sure-handedness he showcased in college has not helped him get on to the gridiron in 2015. Many, including yours truly, would have thought he would have made an impact in the receiving game by now. Atlanta drafted him to become a strong slot receiver or a potential replacement for the aging Roddy White.

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HC Dan Quinn feels confident in going with Hardy on Sunday, but will QB Matt Ryan target him should he play? With the Bucs having a porous secondary and difficulty slowing down the medium range passing game, I think Ryan will throw in Hardy’s direction at least a few times on Sunday.

Atlanta needs another option besides Julio Jones to emerge versus the Buccaneers on Sunday, so why not Justin Hardy? The NCAA Division I record holder for most career receptions should get his opportunities to convert a few first downs on Sunday.

I’m not sure what Hardy will do against the Bucs, but I do believe that he will play and have his first reception of his NFL career against the outdated Tampa 2 of Lovie Smith and DC Leslie Frazier.

Next: The Difference Maker on Sunday