The Atlanta Falcons are benching quarterback Desmond Ridder, and will start Taylor Heinicke against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. It’s the second benching of Ridder this season, who Heinicke replaced as the starter in their Week 9 and 10 losses.
The 24-year-old Ridder has struggled throughout the season, making just 12 of 20 pass attempts for 152 yards and one touchdown with one interception. On the year, he’s recorded 2,528 passing yards and 10 touchdowns with 10 picks. Ridder was selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft out of Cincinnati.
The 30-year-old Heinicke is hoping to improve on the Falcons’ 6–8 record in the NFC South, led by the 7–7 Buccaneers. In three appearances this year, Heinicke has completed 55.4% of his passes for 498 yards and three touchdown passes to one interception.
The Falcons will host the Colts on Sunday, with kickoff slated for 1 p.m. ET on Fox.
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