Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Matt Urben

Falcons to monitor QB Taylor Heinicke’s status throughout the week

The Atlanta Falcons have an important NFC South matchup coming up in Week 18, but quarterback Taylor Heincike’s status appears to be up in the air.

Heinicke was benched by head coach Arthur Smith late in Sunday’s loss to the Bears due to an ankle injury. On Monday, Smith told team reporters that Heinicke planned to do “everything he can” to play against the New Orleans Saints this weekend.

Heinicke had a rough day in Week 17, tossing three interceptions and completing just 10 of 29 pass attempts. The veteran QB did account for two touchdowns, but the team was behind the eight-ball for most of the afternoon.

If Heinicke can’t play in the season finale, second-year QB Desmond Ridder would get the start. Ridder has passed for 2,545 yards, 10 touchdowns and 11 interceptions this season.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.