QB Change: Desmond Ridder to start for Falcons vs. Saints

After being limited all week with an ankle injury, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke is inactive for today's game against the New Orleans Saints.

While the New Orleans Saints were waiting until game day to figure out the assessment of star running back Alvin Kamara (who was ruled out pregame), the Falcons were doing the same with their starting quarterback. The Falcons benched passer Desmond Ridder a few weeks ago in favor of Heinicke. It was not the first time the team had made that move this season either.

Desmond Ridder drops back to pass against the New Orleans Saints in their Week 12 matchup / Nov 26, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) drops back to pass against the New Orleans Saints in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Now, the Falcons must turn back to Ridder after announcing that Heinicke will be inactive. He will be suited up and ready to be the emergency third quarterback should injuries strike Ridder and his immediate backup Logan Woodside.

Ridder is 1-1 in his young career against the Saints, including their Week 12 win in Atlanta earlier this season. In that game, he completed 13 of his 21 passes for 168 passing yards, one passing touchdown and threw two interceptions. In his 2022 loss to the Saints in Week 15, he went 13 for 26 for only 97 passing yards with no touchdowns nor interceptions.

In both of those games, however, the Falcons ran for over 200 rushing yards. Atlanta wants to win the game on the ground no matter who is under center and they have had a little too much ease getting it done. The Falcons have rushed for 200 or more yards in each of the last three meetings with New Orleans. Something the Saints' defense cannot let happen again as they hope to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Week 18: Saints Inactives List vs. Falcons