Desmond Ridder, QB (ATL)

Named starting quarterback

Head coach Arthur Smith announced Tuesday that Ridder will be the Falcons' starting quarterback to begin the 2023 campaign, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

After the acquisition of Taylor Heinicke earlier this month, Rothstein reported that Ridder was still expected to retain the starting gig, and Smith finally confirmed as much. Smith's comments also suggest that the Falcons aren't targeting a quarterback with the No. 8 overall pick in the upcoming draft. Ridder took over for a struggling Marcus Mariota and started the final four games of the 2022 campaign, completing 63.5 percent of his pass attempts for 708 yards and two touchdowns while carrying 16 times for 64 yards. Ridder didn't throw an interception in any of those contests but lost fumbles in Week 17 and 18 wins over the Cardinals and Buccaneers, respectively.

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More Atlanta Falcons Fantasy Football News

Kyle Pitts

Kyle Pitts

TE | ATL

Quiet day in win

Pitts caught two of five targets for 15 yards during Sunday's 25-24 win over the Packers.

Desmond Ridder

Desmond Ridder

QB | ATL

Overcomes early adversity

Ridder completed 19 of 32 passes for 237 yards, a touchdown and an interception during Sunday's 25-24 win over the Packers. He also rushed 10 times for 39 yards and an additional score.

Bijan Robinson

RB | ATL

Likely headed for workload split

Robinson may receive the starting nod Sunday against the Packers but is once again expected to split work out of the backfield with Tyler Allgeier, Ian Rapoport reported on NFL Network's "Good Morning Football."

Remains inactive

Patterson (coach's decision/thigh) is inactive for Sunday's Week 2 matchup versus Green Bay, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.