The Atlanta Falcons made a change at quarterback on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans – the only question seems to be was it a benching or an injury replacement?
Desmond Ridder was taken out of the game at the start of the second half and replaced by Taylor Heinicke after the team announced Ridder was being evaluated for a concussion.
The Falcons quarterback was seen on the sidelines with a cap on, however, looking as if he would not return to the game.
It was later announced that Ridder cleared the concussion protocol, but Heinicke remained in the game.
Ridder, the second-year quarterback, has struggled in recent weeks and that continued on Sunday as he completed eight of 12 pass attempts for 71 yards, failing to find the end zone. (He also rushes three times for 26 yards.)
Heinicke started the game 4-of-8 for 56 yards and while he did not find the end zone immediately, both his first two drives ended in field goals as Atlanta was attempting to climb back from a 14-3 halftime deficit.