Falcons coach still weighing QB options for Week 16

Field Level Media|published: Mon 18th December, 14:03 2023

Dec 17, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) looks to pass in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. credits: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith is still checking his list to find out which quarterback will start on Christmas Eve.

Smith told reporters Monday that either Desmond Ridder or Taylor Heinicke will be under center when the Falcons (6-8) host the Indianapolis Colts (8-6) on Sunday. He said the team will not bring in another quarterback and won't start third-stringer Logan Woodside.

"Not final, but obviously still working through that," Smith said. "Just met with the quarterbacks a minute ago before coming in here, and I'll circle back with those guys because there's some stuff we need to still work through."

The Falcons suffered a 9-7 loss at lowly Carolina on Sunday for their second straight defeat, dropping them a game behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints in the NFC South.

Ridder completed 12 of 20 passes for 152 yards with a touchdown and an interception against the Panthers. The second-year signal-caller is 6-6 as the starter, completing 63.3 percent of his throws for 2,528 yards with 10 TDs and 10 picks.

Heinicke played in three games (0-2 as a starter) when Ridder was in concussion protocol. He has completed 55.4 percent of his passes for 498 yards with three touchdowns and one interception.

—Field Level Media