Falcons QB Camp Preview: Who Stays, Who Goes?

The Atlanta Falcons have already announced that Desmond Ridder is their starting quarterback.
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The Atlanta Falcons have just weeks remaining of "summer break" before reporting back to the facility for the start of training camp near the end of July. For coach Arthur Smith and offensive coordinator Dave Ragone, they will begin camp without the worry of evaluating a quarterback competition. 

Since letting Marcus Mariota go this offseason, the Falcons have been committed to second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder being their starter. Smith has said as much in past interviews, announcing it during an interview while in Arizona for the NFL's Owners' Meetings. 

Their commitment to Ridder was despite multiple opportunities to draft a quarterback like Will Levis, who unexpectedly fell out of the first-round, or even sign a veteran, proven option in free agency. Instead, the Falcons added ex-Washington Commanders backup and part-time starter Taylor Heinicke to serve as Ridder's backup in addition to having Logan Woodside. 

The quarterback room looks set for Atlanta this coming season, as it seems pretty straightforward to predict how they set up their depth chart.  

Projected Depth Chart

QB1: Desmond Ridder 

QB2: Taylor Heinicke 

QB3: Logan Woodside

The NFL's new rule that allows teams to carry an extra quarterback for games without having him count against the 53-man roster means Woodside will likely be the third signal-caller to suit up. It is hard to imagine any cuts being made at the position. 

The Falcons will open their preseason on the road as they take on the Miami Dolphins on August 11th, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. 


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