The Atlanta Falcons have officially released wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III after sending him home last week. The team announced the decision on Tuesday, closing a chapter that had been shrouded in some uncertainty regarding the reasons for his absence.
McCloud’s Absence Considered Private Matter, Not Disciplinary, Impacting Week Six Games
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris described McCloud’s situation as a private matter between the player and the team, emphasizing that it was not necessarily disciplinary. While the details were not shared publicly, Morris indicated that McCloud’s absence was more related to football considerations than personal conduct.
Ray-Ray McCloud III (NFL)McCloud was unexpectedly a healthy scratch during Week 6 in the Falcons’ Monday Night Football win over the Buffalo Bills. He was later sent home and listed as out for the team’s game against the San Francisco 49ers, McCloud’s former team. Despite the absence, McCloud posted on social media expressing support for the Falcons and his desire to succeed with the team.
McCloud’s Relationship With Hilliard and Career Performance Highlights Before Recent Decline
McCloud had a close relationship with former Falcons wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard, who was fired after a 30-0 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 3. McCloud clarified that his current situation had nothing to do with Hilliard’s departure, even though Hilliard had been a major factor in his decision to join Atlanta in 2024. He later reflected on Hilliard’s coaching impact, noting the lack of loyalty in the NFL.
At 29 years old, McCloud had a career year in 2024, recording 62 receptions for 686 yards and a touchdown over 13 starts. However, his 2025 season had been less productive, with only six catches for 64 yards across four games, reflecting a significant decline in output before his release.
