The Atlanta Falcons are benching starting quarterback Desmond Ridder and starting Taylor Heinicke on Sunday when they host the Minnesota Vikings.

Atlanta coach Arthur Smith said the move is for this week and doesn’t necessarily mean Heinicke will remain the starter for the rest of the season.

“Really our focus is short term and what gives us the best chance for Sunday,” Smith said Wednesday. “Right now we're focused on Minnesota.”

Ridder has struggled recently with 10 turnovers in Atlanta’s last five games, and Heinicke replaced Ridder last week at Tennessee after the 2022 third-round draft pick was evaluated for a concussion.

Ridder was cleared to return, but Smith kept Heinicke in for the rest of the Falcons’ 28-23 loss to the Titans.

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1719743397131341903

Heinicke made his Falcons debut after signing a $20million, two-year contract in March.

He completed 12 of 21 passes for 171 yards and a touchdown.

“Lot of positive qualities in Taylor,” Smith said. “He’s been a great fit here and that’s why we brought him in here.”

Last week’s defeat dropped Atlanta to 4-4 on the season and into a first-place tie with the New Orleans Saints in the NFC South.