Falcons Injury Update: Taylor Heinicke Exits Early vs. Cardinals

The Atlanta Falcons went into Week 10's matchup against the Arizona Cardinals with Taylor Heinicke as their quarterback. They ended it with Desmond Ridder under center. However, Falcons head coach Arthur Smith didn't have a choice, unlike the last time he made a quarterback switch mid-game. Heinicke went down in the fourth following an eight-yard […]

Kelsey Kramer — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer

Nov 12, 2023 7:43 PM EST

The Atlanta Falcons went into Week 10's matchup against the Arizona Cardinals with Taylor Heinicke as their quarterback.

They ended it with Desmond Ridder under center.

However, Falcons head coach Arthur Smith didn't have a choice, unlike the last time he made a quarterback switch mid-game.

Heinicke went down in the fourth following an eight-yard run. He struggled to get back up as he headed to the blue tent and was soon ruled out with a hamstring injury.

He completed eight of 15 passes for 55 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing four times for an additional 34 yards.

Ridder came in to finish the final quarter and the Falcons lost 25-23.

Now 4-6 on the season, the Falcons enter a Week 11 bye and have a quarterback decision to make.

Smith had said prior to Sunday's loss that he's not going to play musical chairs, which means whoever he names as Atlanta's starting quarterback for Week 12 against the New Orleans Saints, will finish the season as the start.

“We’re not going to play musical chairs” Smith said. “Hopefully we can go get this win. Take a second to really evaluate as we make that sprint towards the end of the season. “That’s the best I can give you right now.”