Desmond Ridder

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder is being benched for Taylor Heinicke for the second time this year, likely signaling an end for him as the starter long-term in Atlanta. Dating back to 2022, Ridder has started 16 games, going 8-8 while completing 63.3 percent of his passes for 3,236 yards, 12 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He's under contract for the next two seasons and should make for a solid option in a backup role if that's a role he's willing to take Given the state of the ... [Read More]

The Atlanta Falcons confirmed that quarterback Desmond Ridder will return to the starting job not just for one week, but for the rest of the season, starting in Week 12 against the New Orleans Saints. Head coach Arthur Smith thinks that Ridder "gives them the best chance." Ridder was benched for Taylor Heinicke the last two games and returned in Week 10 when Heinicke injured his hamstring. Heinicke isn't guaranteed to practice this week, so Logan Woodside could serve as Ridder's backup on ... [Read More]

Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith said he will not make an announcement on the team's starting quarterback yet for Week 12 against the New Orleans Saints with the team heading into their bye in Week 11. Smith said both quarterbacks Taylor Heinicke (hamstring) and Desmond Ridder need improvements in certain areas, but he liked where Ridder was at after "a reset." Heinicke made his second straight start over the benched Ridder in the Week 10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals and didn't exactly ... [Read More]

Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith said the team will evaluate the quarterback position heading into a Week 9 clash against the Minnesota Vikings. Smith reiterated that health can affect performance, and his top concern is Desmond Ridder's (head) health. "Whoever is going to play this week has got to get the reps," Smith said. The head coach also said he will make a decision on the team's starter under center for Week 9 on Wednesday. Ridder was checked for a concussion in the Week 8 loss ... [Read More]

BALLER MOVE: Add in 2QB LeaguesROSTERED IN: 14% of LeaguesANALYSIS: Over the past three weeks, Desmond Ridder has scored 13.8 (Week 7), 16.1 (Week 6), and 26.1 (Week 5) points. While the 13.8 looks disappointing, he did lose three fumbles. It's highly unlikely he's going to continue having three lost fumbles. If we take two of them away, he'd have finished with 17.8 points, which looks far more appealing. Obviously, that's not how it works, but we're looking at what's most likely moving forward.... [Read More]