Reports: Ridder to start against the Saints

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Multiple outlets are reporting that the Falcons will turn back to Desmond Ridder when the Falcons host the Saints on November 26 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport was first to report the news on X that Atlanta will turn back to its original starter.

Sources: The #Falcons will start QB Desmond Ridder going forward, beginning with their next game against the #Saints, handing the ball back to their original starter.

My story on the move coming out of the bye: https://t.co/18WLbkBfdM https://t.co/18WLbkBfdM
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 19, 2023

Ridder has been Taylor Heinicke’s backup the last two games in which the Falcons both lost.

The 28-year-old was evaluated for a concussion and cleared of it against the Titans, but was replaced by Heinicke at halftime.

Falcons head coach Arthur Smith told media prior to the bye week that the team would use the time to evaluate both quarterback’s, settle on one and stick with them for the remainder of the season.

Filed to ESPN: Source confirms the Falcons are planning to return to Desmond Ridder as their starting quarterback next week.

Ridder had been the team’s starter the first eight games before Taylor Heinicke started the last two.

NFL Network first
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) November 19, 2023