The Falcons have benched quarterback Desmond Ridder and will start Taylor Heinicke against the Vikings on Sunday, coach Arthur Smith announced on Wednesday.
“So just for this week, just with all the variables, just kinda considering everything the last 72 hours and what we feel is best for this week against Minnesota, Taylor will play this week,” Smith said.
Smith and the Falcons benched starting quarterback Desmond Ridder at halftime in Sunday’s 28–23 loss to Tennessee after the offense punted five times, lost a fumble and kicked one field goal in seven first half possessions.
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After Heinicke was inserted into the lineup in the second half, Atlanta scored 20 points. Heinicke completed 12 of his 21 pass attempts for 175 yards and one touchdown.
As for Ridder, he goes to the bench after completing 65.4% of his passes for 1,701 yards and six touchdowns to six interceptions in his eight starts this season.
The 4–4 Falcons will host the Vikings and new starting quarterback Jarren Hall on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
