Maybe a little late, but the transition is on the way.
It is now official. Atlanta turns to Desmond Ridder and gives the keys to its attack to the rookie chosen this year in the third round of the draft. The decision was confirmed Monday by Arthur Smith.
“Desmond Ridder will start as quarterback. It’s a performance-based decision,” the manager said according to The Athletic.
Marcus Mariota is out with a knee injury, and Smith said he expects the former starter to be placed on injured reserve. To support Ridder, the club signed Logan Woodside from the Titans reserve team last week.
Arrived from Las Vegas in the offseason, Mariota had signed a two-year contract with the Falcons. This season he will have thrown for 2219 yards, 15 touchdowns and 9 interceptions in 13 games. He also ran for 438 yards and 4 touchdowns.
