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Former Atlanta Falcons starter Desmond Ridder is on the move
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Former Atlanta Falcons starter Desmond Ridder is on the move

According to multiple reports, Desmon Ridder, the Atlanta Falcons’ 2022 third-round pick who started 17 games over two seasons, was signed off the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad by the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday.

The 24-year-old Ridder performed at best in 13 starts last season in Atlanta, completing 64.2 percent of his passes for 2,836 yards, 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

He started the first eight games before entering the concussion protocol at halftime of Week 8.

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Backup Taylor Heinicke had an impressive second-half relief appearance to start the next two weeks, but Ridder led a touchdown push in the fourth quarter of Week 10 after Heinicke left with a hamstring injury.

Then-Falcons coach Arthur Smith turned his attention back to Ridder after the Week 11 bye, but the second-year pro lasted just four starts before being benched again, this time after a tough interception in the fourth quarter a 9:7 away defeat against the then-A win for the Carolina Panthers.

Heinicke started the next two games, but missed the season finale due to an ankle injury, prompting Ridder to return to the starting lineup. Atlanta didn’t score in the second half and lost 48-17, and Smith lost his job later that evening.

The Falcons lost Ridder’s last three starts and owner Arthur Blank called his team’s quarterback play “poor” the day after Smith was fired.

Ridder was sent to the Arizona Cardinals shortly after the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins ​​as a free agent. In return for Ridder, the Falcons acquired receiver Rondale Moore, who suffered a season-ending knee injury while training with the Miami Dolphins on August 7.

Ridder was released by the Cardinals during final roster cuts on August 27 and has been on the practice squad since then. Since he was not on the Cardinals’ active roster, the Raiders were able to add him directly to their 53-man roster.

The Raiders have their own quarterback issues (obviously) and are bringing in Ridder to compete with veteran Gardner Minshew after Aidan O’Connell was placed on the injured list this week.

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