Why Atlanta Falcons Are Benching Desmond Ridder for Taylor Heinicke vs. Vikings

Why Atlanta Falcons Are Benching Desmond Ridder for Taylor Heinicke vs. Vikings

The Atlanta Falcons won't have a familiar face under center Sunday when the Minnesota Vikings come to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Falcons coach Arthur Smith announced during his press conference Wednesday that he's decided on Taylor Heinicke as the starting quarterback against Minnesota, sending Desmond Ridder to the bench.

Ridder started the first eight games of the season but didn't play in the second half of last week's 28-23 loss to the Tennessee Titans after being submitted into concussion protocol.

Just shy of the season's halfway point, Ridder has thrown for 1,701 yards, six touchdowns and six interceptions while completing 65.4 percent of his passes. He's currently leading the NFL in giveaways at 12.

The Atlanta Falcons will start Desmond Ridder at quarterback Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings / Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports

When Ridder left against Tennessee, Heinicke entered in relief, completing 12 of 21 passes for 175 yards and a touchdown.

In the first half, the Ridder-led Falcons mustered only three points and 89 yards of offense. During the second half, with Heinicke under center, Atlanta posted 20 points and gained 253 total yards.

After the game, Smith reiterated his confidence in Ridder as the starter while noting Heinicke is in Atlanta "to be able to come in as a backup and give us a shot."

During his press conference, Smith stated that Heinicke was only the starter for "this week," meaning Ridder could possibly return to his QB1 role in Week 10 against the Arizona Cardinals.

On the opposing sideline, Minnesota will be playing its backup quarterback, as rookie fifth-round pick Jaren Hall will make his first career start in place after Kirk Cousins suffered a torn Achilles last weekend.

The Falcons and Vikings will kick off at 1 p.m. EST Sunday.