The Atlanta Falcons were supposed to determine the identity of their rest-of-season quarterback after this Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals. But head coach Arthur Smith may end up having more questions than answers.
Taylor Heinicke went down with an apparent injury today, forcing former starter Desmond Ridder back into the lineup. What happened to Heinicke, and what’s his current injury status?
Taylor Heinicke Injury Update
Heinicke stayed down on the field following an eight-yard scramble at the beginning of the fourth quarter. He hobbled to the sideline, where he was evaluated in the blue medical tent.
The Falcons initially announced that Heinicke was questionable to return with a hamstring injury. However, Atlanta then ruled him out with roughly seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
Ridder, who started Atlanta’s first eight games, entered today’s contest to relieve Heinicke.
#Falcons QB Taylor Heinicke left the game with an apparent hamstring injury.
Desmond Ridder is in as his replacement.
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) November 12, 2023
Ridder exited the Falcons’ Week 8 loss to the Tennessee Titans but was cleared of a concussion. Heinicke completed that game and started Atlanta’s win over the Minnesota Vikings last Sunday.
Heinicke completed eight of 15 attempts for 55 yards and a touchdown before departing. He added 34 yards on four rushes.
MORE: Atlanta Falcons Depth Chart
The Falcons have a bye in Week 11. Smith said Atlanta had planned to let Heinicke start today before deciding who would be the club’s Q1 for the remainder of the season.
Depending on the severity of Heinicke’s hamstring injury, the Falcons may have no choice but to roll with Ridder, who went 4-4 during his eight starts but posted a 39.9 QBR, 24th among 32 qualifying quarterbacks.
Fantasy Fallout From Heinicke’s Injury
Heinicke threw for under 100 yards through the first three quarters against the Cardinals before his injury. If Heinicke is to miss any time in the coming weeks, Ridder should help maintain the fantasy value of Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson.
— PFN Fantasy Analyst Derek Tate