Falcons HC reveals starting QB for Week 9 vs. Vikings
Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith won't come out and say that he's benching Desmond Ridder but from the sound of it… that's exactly what is happening. Smith told reporters on Wednesday that backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke will start for the Falcons against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. "Just for this week, you know just […]
Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith won't come out and say that he's benching Desmond Ridder but from the sound of it… that's exactly what is happening.
Smith told reporters on Wednesday that backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke will start for the Falcons against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.
"Just for this week, you know just with all of the variables," Smith said. "Considering everything in the last 72 hours, what we feel is best for this week against Minnesota, Taylor will play this week."
We caught a glimpse of Heinicke on Sunday when he stepped in for a concussed Ridder against the Tennessee Titans at the start of the third quarter.
Heinicke completed 12 of 21 passes for 175 yards and one touchdown.
Post-game, Smith once again neglected to say that he had officially benched Ridder for the season and, instead, sidelined him for health concerns.
However, Ridder had been cleared to play after being looked at by trainers.
“My number one concern is Des," Smith said on Monday following the team's 28-23 loss to Tennessee. "There’s a reason they went to look at him. The health is first when something is off, and there’s a reason to look at him. We’ll continue to further evaluate him. I guess the best way to put it, sometimes the health or something going on can affect performance. So, you have to do what’s best for your team. Obviously, my concern is for the player. Taylor came in there and did a nice job."
Heading into Week 9 against the Vikings, the Falcons are 4-4 and tied for first place in the NFC South with the New Orleans Saints.
Falcons lose Pro Bowl DT Grady Jarrett to season-ending injury
Huge loss for the Atlanta Falcons.
