Falcons Bench QB Desmond Ridder, Promote Taylor Heinicke to Starter

Atlanta is making a change under center while trying to keep its playoff hopes alive.

The Falcons are poised to make a change under center and intend to start Taylor Heinicke at quarterback against the Colts on Sunday, benching Desmond Ridder. The news first was reported by The Athletic then confirmed by NFL Network. 

Both Ridder and the Atlanta offense have struggled all season, and it appears Sunday’s 9–7 loss to the Panthers was the last straw. Ridder completed 12 of 20 pass attempts for 152 yards and one touchdown with one interception. On the year, he’s recorded 2,528 passing yards and 10 touchdowns with 10 picks. 

The change also could be a precursor for Ridder’s time in Atlanta coming to an end. The 24-year-old was selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft out of Cincinnati but hasn’t proven to be a consistent NFL starter since entering the league.

The Atlanta Falcons reportedly are turning to Taylor Heinicke to replace Desmond Ritter under center :: Matt Kartozian/USA TODAY Sports

Meanwhile, Heinicke is a 30-year-old journeyman who will look to give the Falcons some life as they look to improve on their 6–8 record in the NFC South—a division that is being led by the 7–7 Buccaneers. In three appearances this year, Heinicke has completed 55.4% of his passes for 498 yards and three touchdown passes to one interception. 

He’ll look to keep the Falcons alive in the playoff race on Sunday when they play host to the Colts, with kickoff slated for 1 p.m. ET on Fox.