Rookie Desmond Ridder has been named as the starting QB for the Atlanta Falcons, replacing Marcus Mariota, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
The six-foot-four QB has yet to play a snap in the regular season. He appeared in all three pre-season games, throwing for 431 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. He also picked up 59 yards on the ground.
Ridder was selected in the third round of this year's NFL Draft after playing four years of college football with the Cincinnati Bearcats, taking them to the College Football Playoffs in his senior year.
Mariota has started every game for the Falcons (5-8) so far this season. They have stumbled as of late, going 1-4 in their last five games. He has thrown for 2,219 yards with 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Coach Arthur Smith did not rule out the possibility of making changes under centre after last week's 19-16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Falcons are on a bye this week but will return in week 15 with a matchup against division rival New Orleans Saints.
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