The Atlanta Falcons are going to re-insert Desmond Ridder back into the starting lineup at quarterback for Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints, the team has announced.
The Falcons’ plan is for Ridder to be the starter for the rest of the season.
An Atlanta win on Sunday would put them in first place in the NFC South with a 5-6 record. The Falcons have the easiest schedule in the NFL.
Ridder told reporters that he is more than good to go against New Orleans, which is always a tough opponent.
“My job is to be a starting quarterback in this league,” Ridder was quoted as saying. “And so every day I come in here and everyone, no matter quarterback, running back, doesn’t matter your position, wants to be that starter.
Ridder was benched two games ago after suffering a concussion against the Tennessee Titans. The Falcons went with second-string quarterback Taylor Heinicke against the Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals but he has gone down with a hamstring injury.
Falcons Coach Arthur Smith said that if Ridder gets hurt, Atlanta would go with third-string signal caller Logan Woodside.
Smith said that Ridder has used his time on the bench wisely.
“I think he’s done a really good job of that and taking advantage of what can be perceived as a major negative and trying to turn it into a positive,” Smith told media after practice Monday.
On the season, Ridder has rushed for four touchdowns, completed 65.4% of his passes for 1,740 yards, 6 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. He has also lost six lost fumbles.