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Raiders reveal starting quarterback against Falcons

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Derek Hegna | Last updated Dec 16, 2024 4:52 PM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders have made their decision at quarterback on Monday against the Atlanta Falcons.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Raiders are expecting Desmond Ridder to get the start against the Falcons. Aidan O’Connell has been listed as questionable after his knee injury last week sidelined him during practice and, while he will work out pregame to see if he can play, Ridder is currently considered the starter.

Raiders QB Desmond Ridder is expected to start tonight vs. the Falcons, per sources. Raiders QB Aidan O’Connell is listed as questionable and is expected to work out pregame to see if he can play, but Ridder is expected to start for now.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 16, 2024

The news sets up the perfect revenge scenario for Ridder. A former third-round pick of the Falcons in 2022, Ridder spent two seasons in Atlanta and started 17 games with the team, going 8-9 as starter.

This offseason, the Falcons drastically overhauled their quarterback room, trading Ridder to the Arizona Cardinals in March while signing Kirk Cousins and drafting Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick. Ridder would compete for the backup role behind Kyler Murray in Arizona, but was unable to secure a roster spot and started the season on the Cardinals’ practice squad.

Injuries would lead the Raiders to sign Ridder to their active roster in October. He has played four games so far with the Raiders, but Monday will be his first start with the team. He has completed 63.6 percent of his passes for 239 yards and a touchdown in his appearances so far this season.

It was unclear if Ridder would ever get the chance to start an NFL game again after being traded from Atlanta. To now get the chance to effectively destroy his former team’s playoff ambitions would be the sweetest form of revenge.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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