Falcons' RayRay McCloud sidelined for Niners game in private matter

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver RayRay McCloud III was sent home by coach Raheem Morris on Friday and will not play in the team’s upcoming game at San Francisco, a decision Morris described as a private matter between the player and the organization. McCloud, who was a healthy scratch for Atlanta’s Monday win over the Buffalo Bills, did not practice this week for reasons the team said were noninjury related and will not travel with the club for Sunday’s matchup.

“I sent him home. Excused absence,” Morris said after Friday’s practice. “We are working through some things that are private with the young man, and we will get those things figured out. This is between RayRay, the organization and us. I wouldn’t say it is a disciplinary thing. More a football thing with something we have to get straightened out.”

McCloud, 29, is in his second season with the Falcons and has served as the team’s No. 3 receiver. Through four games this season he has six receptions for 64 yards. Last season he recorded career highs with 62 catches, 686 yards and one touchdown. Atlanta placed him on an excused absence roster designation rather than an injury list.

The move follows a recent shakeup on the...