FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The Atlanta Falcons have a new starting quarterback -- for this week at least. In goes Taylor Heinicke. Out goes Desmond Ridder.
But for now, it'll be Heinicke lining up as the starter against the Minnesota Vikings. That offers some symmetry. Heinicke broke into the league as an undrafted free agent out of Old Dominion in 2015 by spending two years -- but not playing a snap -- in Minnesota.
Now he'll be starting for the Falcons, who are tied with the New Orleans Saints for the NFC South lead at 4-4, in a game which could end up critical to Atlanta's postseason hopes.