Norman: Roddy White is Falcons' No. 5 receiver

Falcons wide receiver Roddy White was Matt Ryan’s primary target his first five seasons as a starting quarterback. (Curtis Compton/AJC)

Falcons wide receiver Roddy White was Matt Ryan’s primary target his first five seasons as a starting quarterback. (Curtis Compton/AJC)

FLOWERY BRANCH -- Falcons wide receiver Roddy White had to know this was coming after he blasted Carolina cornerback Josh Norman for not being tough and pointing out that he gets safety help from free safety Kurt Coleman and strong safety

Top 50 Falcons: No. 12, Roddy White

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Roman Harper.

"I know Julio is leading right now, receivers wise," Norman said, via ESPN.com. "Roddy, I think, is their fifth receiver coming in behind the tight end and running backs.

"I think he has one reception for a touchdown this year, so we're going to try to hold him out as much as we can."

Norman was fined $26,000 coming out of the game with New York wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who was suspended for one game.

White has been battling knee, ankle and hamstring issues over the past three seasons as his production has dropped out. He spoke up because wide receiver Julio Jones, who'll be covered by Norman, doesn't get into trash talking.

White, an 11-year veteran who's been to four Pro Bowls, is actually the team's fourth leading receiver this season. He has 37 catches for 429 yards and one touchdown.