It sounds like we’ve seen the last of Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota this season. On Wednesday, head coach Arthur Smith said Mariota is having knee surgery and will be placed on the injured reserve list, per team reporter Tori McElhaney.
Buy Falcons TicketsMarcus Mariota is scheduled to have surgery and will be placed on IR today, per Arthur Smith.
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) December 14, 2022
With just four games remaining, an injured reserve designation guarantees Mariota won’t return this year. Logan Woodside will serve as the team’s No. 2 quarterback for the rest of the season and rookie Desmond Ridder is set to make his debut against the Saints in Week 15.
Smith said Ridder has shown “accelerated growth” over the last month, and thinks the QB can help the team become more balanced offensively, according to ESPN’s Michael Rothstein.
Falcons HC Arthur Smith said he hopes this move to Desmond Ridder helps the team become a more balanced offense as well.
Keep from predictability.
Didn't want to get into how it might help Drake London specifically.
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) December 14, 2022
Smith also gave an update on tight end Kyle Pitts and defensive lineman Ta’Quon Graham, saying both players are unlikely to return from the injured reserve list this year.
The Falcons resume practice this afternoon as they prepare for Sunday’s NFC South showdown in New Orleans.
