Arthur Smith says Falcons QB Desmond Ridder was not benched

The Atlanta Falcons pulled Desmond Ridder from Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans after the quarterback turned the ball over for the 12th time this season. Backup Taylor Heinicke took over in the second half and played well in relief of Ridder

Heinicke completed 12 of 21 passes for 175 and one touchdown as the Falcons nearly came back in the fourth quarter. This left fans wondering if the team would continue with Heinicke or go back to Ridder next week.

After the game, Falcons head coach Arthur Smith said Ridder sat out due to injury issues and not because of his turnovers.

Arthur Smith: Desmond Ridder was not pulled from the game at halftime because of a performance issue.

Ridder was evaluated for a concussion. He was cleared to return.

— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) October 29, 2023

Ridder’s injury was not thought to be an issue when he came out as he had just committed his fourth fumble in the last two games. Considering Heinicke’s performance, you have to wonder if Atlanta will continue to roll with the veteran in Week 9 against the Minnesota Vikings.

Watch Smith’s somewhat confusing postgame comments, as shared by ESPN’s Michael Rothstein below.

More from Arthur Smith on the QB situation pic.twitter.com/zRTrfbq0OR

— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) October 29, 2023

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