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Ridder could start in Falcons finale; Heinicke questionable

Originally posted on SportsTalkATL | By Alex Lord | Last updated 1/5/24

The Falcons have made a change at quarterback twice this season. Initially, Desmond Ridder started the first eight games of the season and then went to the bench following concussion-like symptoms that prompted Taylor Heinicke to enter in the second half of the Titans contest.

Then, after starting the next two games against the Vikings and Cardinals, Arthur Smith went back to Ridder out of the bye week, but a total collapse against the Panthers evoked yet another change.

Taylor Heinicke has started against the Colts and Bears, producing two wildly different results. Atlanta throttled Indy and then put up another stinker in Chicago. Now, entering the season finale, we could yet see another quarterback change.

According to Michael Rothstein, Heinicke is officially questionable, making way for Ridder to potentially start in New Orleans on Sunday.

DeMarcco Hellams, Drew Dalman both OUT for Sunday against New Orleans.

Taylor Heinicke and Zach Harrison both will be questionable for Sunday.

— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) January 5, 2024

The Falcons have a chance to still make the postseason. With a win against the Saints and an improbable Buccaneers loss, Arthur Smith’s team would end the club’s playoff drought. It would be poetic if Ridder led the Falcons to the promise land after seemingly failing at every turn.

Realistically, Heinicke will start and the Panthers will lose, so it doesn’t matter what happens in New Orleans. It’s still fun to imagine the ironic possibility of Desmond Ridder being benched twice and then winning the biggest game of the season to give the Falcons a playoff berth.

I kind of want to see it happen just to see fans’ heads spin.

This article first appeared on SportsTalkATL and was syndicated with permission.

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