Atlanta Falcons QB Desmond Ridder 'Still Pushing' Taylor Heinicke After Benching
The Atlanta Falcons will have a new quarterback under center on Sunday when they host the Minnesota Vikings. Coach Arthur Smith revealed in Wednesday's press conference Taylor Heinicke will replace Desmond Ridder as their signal-caller.
The switch came after the second-year quarterback was replaced at halftime during the team's 28-23 loss to the Tennessee Titans due to entering concussion protocol. While the quarterback change ultimately didn't see the Falcons beat the Titans, Heinicke's performance in relief was enough to justify the change heading into this week.
Yet, even with the 30-year-old now being entrusted with the keys to the Falcons' offense, it is still of vital importance that Ridder's development continues.
"He's handled it very well. He's speaking up in meetings, he's very engaged, he's helping me out any way I can, so to see that from a young guy, that's really cool; it just speaks to his character and stuff," Heinicke said of Ridder's reaction to being replaced. "We're still pushing each other, he's preparing like he's going to play, God forbid he might, we'll see. Des has done a great job today hearing the news and coming to work."
Atlanta Falcons quarterbacks Desmond Ridder (left) and Taylor Heinicke (right).
Clutchpoints
This isn't the first time Heinicke has been thrown into the fire as a starting quarterback at midseason. Just a year ago, when Heinicke was with the Washington Commanders, an injury to Carson Wentz meant the 30-year-old was the new "QB1."
However, unlike how his time has transpired in Atlanta, Heinicke wasn't named the full-time starter until after leading the Commanders to a 4-1 record with him under center.
Heinicke hopes to get off to a similar start on Sunday when the Falcons host the Vikings. Kickoff inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium is set for 1 p.m. ET.
