Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder left his team’s loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday afternoon as a result of being evaluated for a concussion.
While Ridder cleared concussion protocol and was technically able to go back into the game, Ridder said coaches felt he was “a little off” and kept him on the sideline as Taylor Heinicke played the rest of the afternoon under center.
However, that did not stop many from speculating that Ridder had been benched, and head coach Arthur Smile did not exactly give him a vote of confidence when asked about whether or not Ridder would start in Week 9 if he were healthy enough to do so.
“I’ve got to see where he’s at, that’s the best I can give you” is not exactly a comforting response for Ridder, as the reporter was clearly asking if Ridder would be good to start if he were physically able.
Now, to be fair, Smith added that he’s not concerned about Ridder long term, saying that the signal-caller has “done a lot of good things,” but this was certainly a very diplomatic reply from the head coach.
Before exiting on Sunday, Ridder had gone 8-for-12 with 71 yards and lost fumble. It was his fourth lost fumble in two weeks and sixth overall this season.
On the 2023 campaign as a whole, 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 the Falcons in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
He made four starts during his rookie campaign, totaling 708 yards and two touchdowns while completing 63.5 percent of his throws and registering a passer rating of 86.4.
Heinicke went 12-for-21 with 175 yards and a touchdown in relief of Desmond Ridder on Sunday. He is in his first season in Atlanta after spending time with the Houston Texans, Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders over the first five years of his career.
The 30-year-old has made 34 appearances and 25 starts, recording 35 touchdowns and 24 picks.
The Falcons are 4-4 and will host the Minnesota Vikings next weekend.
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