The Atlanta Falcons have decided Desmond Ridder will be the starting quarterback going forward, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. This takes away the mystery of who the New Orleans Saints need to prepare for in next week’s pivotal NFC South showdown. Both teams have a bye week in Week 11, so they have an extra week to rest.
Ridder started the season under center and remained there until he was sidelined by a concussion in Week 8. Taylor Heinicke finished that game and started the next two weeks. When Heinicke suffered a hamstring injury, Ridder came in to finish the game, and he has now reclaimed his starting position.
His first game back in the starting lineup will be versus New Orleans. Last time Ridder played the Saints was the first start of his career — Atlanta lost that game 21-18 with Ridder going 13-of-26 for just 97 passing yards, taking four sacks, and rushing 6 times for 38 yards. This season he’s 4-4 as a starter while throwing 6 touchdown passes against 6 interceptions, having rushed for 150 yards and 4 touchdown runs. He’s also fumbled 7 times.
