Falcons make QB switch, elevate Taylor Heinicke over Desmond Ridder vs Vikings due to 'variables'

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Former XFL star Taylor Heinicke has been named the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons' Week 9 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings, coach Arthur Smith announced on Wednesday.

The Falcons selected quarterback Desmond Ridder in the third round of last year's draft. Ridder was elevated to the starting position for the final four games of the 2022 season and started for the first eight games of this season. 

He was pulled from last Sunday's contest at halftime and Heinicke handled the quarterback duties for the remainder of the game.

"Just for this week, just with all the variables, just kind of considering everything in the last 72 hours and what we feel is best for this week against Minnesota, Taylor will play this week," Smith said on Wednesday.

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Desmond Ridder, left, and Taylor Heinicke of the Atlanta Falcons warm up prior to playing the Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on Aug. 11, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Ridder was evaluated for a concussion during last week's loss to Tennessee Titans. He was medically cleared, but ultimately did not return to the game. Smith later said he did not take Ridder out of the game because of any performance-related issues.

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Heinicke, 30, finished last week's game with 175 yards and one touchdown. He led the Falcons to 20 points in the second half.

Ridder has struggled with ball security, losing four fumbles in the last three games. He has also thrown three interceptions over the last handful of games. Ridder has a total of