Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder has officially lost his job as the starter, but he is taking his demotion in stride.

When asked about his benching, Ridder said he is maintaining a positive attitude.

“Nothing’s changed [with his preparation],” Ridder said Thursday, via Scott Bair of the Falcons’ team website. “I’m still going to be the best version of myself, the best teammate I can be. I never want to be a negative person, a negative guy. I’m going to go do whatever it takes to help my team and help us go win.”

Ridder exited last week’s loss to the Tennessee Titans to be evaluated for a concussion. Taylor Heinicke relieved him, and now, Heinicke has taken his spot under center.

However, Ridder says he will continue putting in the same effort in an attempt to improve.

“Those [efforts] will never stop,” Ridder said. “It’s about me and trying to push everyone else around me to be better. That’s why we’re still doing the [player-led pass catchers’ meetings]. That’s why I’m being the same guy I was seven days ago.”

In eight games this season, Ridder has thrown for 1,701 yards, six touchdowns and six interceptions while completing 65.4 percent of his passes and posting a passer rating of 84.

The 24-year-old, who played his collegiate football at the University of Cincinnati, was selected by Atlanta in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Desmond Ridder made four starts during his rookie campaign, totaling 708 yards and a couple of touchdowns while completing 63.5 percent of his throws and registering a passer rating of 86.4.

The Falcons are 4-4 and are currently locked in a tie with the New Orleans Saints for first place in the NFC South.

Atlanta will battle the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday.

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