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Arthur Smith makes starting QB Desmond Ridder official Monday

Last week during the bye, we all saw multiple reports that Desmond Ridder would be the new starting Falcons quarterback when the team takes the field against the Saints in Week 15. All that was left was to see the team make it official—and perhaps explain why they signed Logan Woodside off the Titans’ practice squad—when head coach Arthur Smith spoke to the media on Monday.

He did exactly that, confirming Ridder as the starter, and also noted that 13-game starter Marcus Mariota may be headed to injured reserve.

Arthur Smith said that if he thought Desmond Ridder making his first NFL start in New Orleans was too big of a moment for him he wouldn't throw him out there.