Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder will be replaced by Taylor Heinicke as the starter in Week 16 against the Indianapolis Colts, according to multiple reports.
The Falcons are benching Ridder and starting Taylor Heinicke for the second time this season after their 9-7 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 15. Ridder completed 12 of 20 pass attempts for 157 yards with 1 touchdown, but he also threw an interception that set up the Panthers for the win and essentially eliminated the Falcons from the playoffs.
Among the 30 quarterbacks with at least 200 dropbacks this season, Ridder ranks 23rd and averages negative-0.01 Passing Net Expected Points per attempt. Heinicke is averaging 0.01 Passing NEP on 79 dropbacks.
Source: Josh Kendall, The Athletic