Falcons QB Uncertain After Heinicke Replaces Ridder During Loss to Titans

Coach Arthur Smith undecided on future quarterback as Taylor Heinicke impresses following concussion situation with Desmond Ridder in tight game against Titans.

Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder was replaced by Taylor Heinicke after being evaluated for a concussion during their game against the Titans. Despite being cleared by medical personnel, Coach Arthur Smith decided to continue with Heinicke due to his impressive start in the second half.
Heinicke completed 12 for 21 passes, throwing for 175 yards and a touchdown, leading four scoring drives that totalled 20 points. Ridder, on the other hand, completed 8 for 12 passes for 71 yards and lost a fumble in the first half.
Despite Ridder's rough patches in recent games, including seven turnovers in the last three games, Coach Smith expressed confidence in Ridder and did not indicate a permanent QB change. Both Heinicke and third-string quarterback Logan Woodside have expressed their support for Ridder.
While Ridder is currently the team's starting quarterback, Smith refrained from making any definitive decisions about the QB spot moving forward, saying he needed more information to make a decision and indicating the necessity of evaluating the players' health first.
The Falcons finished the game against the Titans with a tight 28-23 loss. The decision on which quarterback will lead the Falcons in their upcoming game against the Minnesota Vikings at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium is yet to be announced.