The Indianapolis Colts will face another backup quarterback when they visit the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16 as the team will be starting Taylor Heinicke over Desmond Ridder on Sunday.
This is the second time Ridder has been benched this season in favor of Heinicke, who started two games before getting benched himself. With the Falcons’ season essentially on the line, Arthur Smith is making a change.
This means the Colts will now be preparing for Heinicke when they visit Atlanta this weekend.
Another QB change in Atlanta… Taylor Heinicke takes over. https://t.co/wHqaUn8fJ7
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 19, 2023
Heinicke first filled in for Ridder during the Week 8 loss against the Tennessee Titans. He completed 12-of-21 passes (57.1%) for 175 yards and one touchdown in the 28-23 loss.
He was then named the starter for the next two games, both of which resulted in losses against the Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals right before the bye week.
Heinicke left the game against the Cardinals due to an injury and was replaced by Ridder during that game. Coming out of the bye week, the Falcons went back to Ridder as the starter.
In his three games played this season, Heinicke has completed 41-of-74 passes (55.4%) for 498 yards, three touchdowns, one interception and an 84.2 passer rating.
The Colts currently hold the No. 7 seed in the AFC playoff race while also finding themselves in a three-way tie for the top of the division with the Jacksonville Jaguars (8-6) and Houston Texans (8-6).
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