Falcons expected to place QB Marcus Mariota on injured reserve

The Atlanta Falcons will start rookie Desmond Ridder at quarterback when they take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 15, head coach Arthur Smith confirmed during his Monday afternoon press conference.

Smith said that Marcus Mariota is dealing with a knee injury and will likely be placed on the injured reserve list, although he was clear about it being a performance-based decision.

Falcons said they anticipate placing QB Marcus Mariota on injured reserve, which would end his season.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 12, 2022

Mariota has had an up-and-down year as Atlanta’s starting quarterback. While the team undoubtedly overachieved if you look at what most NFL analysts said prior to the season, Mariota wasn’t doing enough to hold off Ridder.

With the team at 5-8, the bye week felt like the right time for Smith to make the move. Mariota likely finishes his season with 2,219 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, nine interceptions and a passer rating of 88.2.

The former No. 2 overall pick also rushed for a career-high 435 yards on the ground and four rushing touchdowns.

LIVE: Coach Arthur Smith speaks to the media as we return from the bye week https://t.co/lHByWBIwfc

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) December 12, 2022