West Atlanta News

The Atlanta Falcons are gearing up for the possibility of facing a familiar player, Desmond Ridder, when they play against the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night at Allegiant Stadium. The Raiders' starting quarterback, Aiden O'Connell, is questionable due to a knee injury that has kept him from practicing this week. This opens up the chance for Ridder to start against his former team.

Falcons wide receiver Drake London humorously commented on the situation: "I told him, if I see him before the game, I may have to punch him in the arm or something like that so he can't do nothing against us. But no, I'm just happy for him." Both London and Ridder were part of Atlanta's 2022 draft class.

Ridder initially played behind Marcus Mariota during his rookie season but took over as starter for Atlanta's final four games and continued in 2023. However, last season saw mixed results with Ridder going 6-7 as a starter. The Falcons underwent changes with new head coach Raheem Morris bringing in veteran Kirk Cousins and drafting Michael Penix Jr., leading to Ridder being traded to Arizona Cardinals before joining the Raiders' active roster in Week 8.

London reflected on Ridder's journey: "That's the brutality of this league...he's starting on Monday Night Football — I know he's ecstatic about it and definitely happy where his role is right now."

The Raiders brought in Ridder following O'Connell's stint on injured reserve earlier this season. With Gardner Minshew II also placed on injured reserve recently, Ridder may be called upon again.

Atlanta is preparing for either scenario at quarterback by studying interim offensive coordinator Scott Turner's influence since taking over during Week 10. Head coach Raheem Morris stated: "He'll be prepared in the right way...a familiar opponent...we've got to get ready for him as well."

Ridder has appeared in four games with Las Vegas so far, completing 28 out of 44 passes for one touchdown. Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier expressed support: "I think it's just an awesome opportunity for him to show what he can do."