Arthur Smith said they'll evaluate the QB position this week. Reiterated that health can affect performance and his No. 1 concern is Desmond Ridder's health.

"Whoever is going to play this week has got to get the reps."

Related players: Taylor Heinicke

Ridder was evaluated for a concussion and cleared protocol but Smith opted to stay with Heinicke instead of bringing Ridder back out. Heinicke played well during his time so the Falcons may decide to take advantage of this open door. No matter who plays, they could be without WR London Drake who is dealing with a groin injury. The Falcons host the Vikings in an early game. Those in deeper leagues or superflex leagues may want to add Heinicke with the chance he gets the start.

Falcons QB Desmond Ridder is being evaluated for a concussion and Taylor Heinicke is now in at quarterback.

Ridder certainly got roughed up in the first half, getting sacked five times and lost a fumble. He was 8/12 for 71 yards and added 26 yards on three rushing attempts. The offense again continued to struggle, scoring just six points in the first half and now there will be many more questions surrounding the unit. It will be interesting to see hoe Heinicke performs and if he can steal the starting job away from Ridder.

Falcons HC Arthur Smith tells reporters that Desmond Ridder remains the starting QB.

Related players: Taylor Heinicke, Logan Woodside

Ridder threw for just 191 yards and added two interceptions to his totals against the Jags on Sunday morning in the first London game of the season. The Jags led 17-0 at the half forcing the Falcons to come out throwing and play catch-up during the second half. The Falcons host the Texans in Week 5. Those in deeper leagues or superflex leagues may want to think about making some room for Heinicke if he's on your wire as Ridder could be one more bad start away from a benching.

The Falcons are signing former Commanders QB Taylor Heinicke. With plenty of starting experience, Atlanta adds a veteran to their QB room.

Related Players: Desmond Ridder

For the Falcons and Taylor Heinicke, it’s a two-year deal worth up to $20 million. Atlanta has said Desmond Ridder is the starter, and that's top-end backup money.

Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota has left the team. It officially doesn’t matter if he’s coming back.

Coach Arthur Smith told reporters on Wednesday that Mariota will have surgery next week on his injured knee, and that he’ll be placed on injured reserve, with Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com.

Related players: Desmond Ridder

It’s unclear when the injury happened, the story said. Smith has described it as a “chronic” issue. However, Mariota has not appeared on any of the team’s injury reports, at all in 2022. We just reported the strangeness surrounding Mariota leaving the team and the birth of a child. Either way, at this point, Mariota is finished for the season and Ridder will take over for the final four games.

On Thursday, the Falcons told quarterback Marcus Mariota he’d be benched. The next day, he left the team.

On Tuesday, his partner had a baby. Which would explain his absence from the team. That same day, however, coach Arthur Smith painted a very different picture to TheAthletic.com, creating the clear impression that Mariota left for reasons unrelated to an impending visit from the stork.

Related players: Desmond Ridder

Regardless, the rookie Ridder takes over this week for the Falcons at QB, and according to the story, the Falcons aren’t quite sure whether Mariota will be back. At all. The story said the team technically can't place him on IR with an injury that doesn't appear to be legit. The story added releasing him could mean he ends up on another team, perhaps a division rival, as the Falcons are trying to make the playoffs.

Falcons said they anticipate placing QB Marcus Mariota on injured reserve, which would end his season.

Related Players: Desmond Ridder

There may have been more than meet's the eye about the team's decision to move over to Ridder during the bye week, but nonetheless, it looks like it will be the rookie's job to keep for the remainder of the season.

The Falcons are looking to the future, making a QB switch to rookie Desmond Ridder as the starter.

Related Players: Marcus Mariotta

With all due respect to veteran Marcus Mariotta, it's about time we get to see what Ridder can do before the season ends. Ridder tested off the charts at the combine, leading all quarterbacks with a 4.52 40-yard dash, 36-inch vertical, and a 10-7 broad jump. Ridder had an impressive preseason, including a 10-for-13, 143-yard performance in Week 2 and a 59-yard day on the ground in Week 1. The Falcons are unlikely to become a pass-first team this season, but Ridder could be fantasy relevant as the playoffs approach.