Marcus Mariota

Marcus Mariota left the Falcons, but it was more than Desmond Ridder being named the starter that factored into it.

His contract is structured in such a way that gives the Falcons an out in 2023. “We have been in a lot of close games, made a lot of progress, but our objective is to get over that hump. If that floor turns out to be lower than anticipated, the Falcons will be missing their safety net in Mariota. That, however, is on Smith and the Falcons to figure out if it does come to pass. If it benefits us in the long term, that’s a really good thing for us.” And despite the Saints' poor record, playing them in Ridder's debut is hardly a slam dunk. According to Smith, although this move was made to win, there is benefit in seeing what they have. Florio said the Falcons could keep him on the roster or waive him, but that teams like the division-rival Saints or future 2022 opponents Ravens or Cardinals could claim him. There is no indication regarding when or if he'll return, but Smith addressed the knee injury in characteristically blunt fashion. The Falcons signed Logan Woodside from their practice squad. You have to have contingency plans.” But Mariota is completing 62 percent of his passes, has thrown for 2,219 yards and 15 touchdowns to nine interceptions.

Of course, you want all your guys to be here, but guys have to make decisions. It's part of professional sports. You have to have contingency plans,” head ...

After being benched for rookie Desmond Ridder for performance reasons, Mariota has left the team. And the team doesn't know if he'll be back. Coach Arthur Smith ...

He received a $5 million signing bonus, and a fully-guaranteed salary of $1.75 million for 2022. The Titans benched him for [Ryan Tannehill](https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/football/nfl/player/9502/ryan-tannehill) in 2019. Coach Arthur Smith has said Mariota will be placed on injured reserve. And the team doesn’t know if he’ll be back. [Marcus Mariota](https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/football/nfl/player/12406/marcus-mariota) is out.

Desmond Ridder will be under center for the Falcons going forward, especially considering news that quarterback Marcus Mariota was eyeing a potential IR ...

The decision to pivot to Ridder was “performance-based,” according to Smith, and the head coach also seemed to hint that it was always the team’s intention to eventually turn to the rookie third-round pick. [per Josh Kendall of The Athletic](https://theathletic.com/3995831/2022/12/13/falcons-desmond-ridder-marcus-mariota/). [Follow @PFRumors](https://twitter.com/PFRumors) When Smith was the offensive coordinator with the Titans, Mariota was demoted to backup. [Desmond Ridder](https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/desmond-ridder-1.html) will be under center for the Falcons going forward, especially considering news that quarterback [Marcus Mariota](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MariMa01.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-) was eyeing a potential IR trip. As Kendall notes, this isn’t the first time that Smith has played a role in Mariota’s benching.

The Falcons announced that rookie Desmond Ridder will be the starting quarterback going forward and, later, Marcus Mariota stepped away from the team.

The former Oregon standout and Heisman Trophy winner has led the Falcons to a 5-8 record. According to The Athletic, Smith informed Mariota that Ridder would be starting at quarterback on Thursday morning. "Those (conversations) are never easy," Smith said. Everything we decide to do, I will try to be as transparent as possible," Smith said on Dec. You have to have contingency plans," head coach Arthur Smith said. "We will have some very intense meetings in the next couple days.

Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith revealed how much Marcus Mariota's injury influenced his decision to make a quarterback change to Desmond Ridder.

"Just telling you that it had nothing to do with the decision." Smith shared that it's been a push from Mariota, not the team, to get the knee injury looked at. [Click Here.](https://www.si.com/nfl/falcons/) [Follow Falcon Report on ](http://dallasbasketball.com/) [Twitter.](https://twitter.com/FalconReportSI) In his absence, the Falcons signed "And that had nothing to do with the move here. "I would anticipate (Mariota will go on IR)," Smith began.

Following the team's decision to bench him, the quarterback seemingly didn't like it and with that decided to leave. What happens next is anyone's guess.

On Friday, the Falcons came to understand that Mariota intended to leave the team. You have to have contingency plans,” Smith said before adding that Mariota will likely be placed on the injured reserve with what he described as a “chronic” knee injury. Everything that we decide to do I will be as transparent as possible.” It’s worth mentioning, that Smith also [ informed ](https://twitter.com/mikerothstein/status/1599827131613298726)the media that day, that Mariota was not available because his wife had gone into labor with their first child. We understand, too, that we’ve been in some close games lately and we need to get back over the hump,” Smith said. The shocking news comes just one day after head coach [Arthur Smith](https://www.atlantafalcons.com/team/coaches-roster/arthur-smith) announced a “performance based” [ decision to bench Mariota,](https://sports.yahoo.com/desmond-ridder-to-start-week-15-for-falcons-replacing-marcus-mariota-195321277.html) with third-round rookie [Desmond Ridder](https://www.nfl.com/players/desmond-ridder/) named to take his place. The debate about that subtle point, is at the center of the contentious situation unfolding in Atlanta.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota has reportedly left the club after being demoted as the team's starter due to performance-based reasons.

According to The Athletic, Smith informed Mariota on Thursday morning that he was being replaced by Ridder. Mariota lost this starting job to Ryan Tannehill during the 2019 season. Mariota is dealing with a knee injury that will likely lead him to being placed on injured reserve.

Although Mariota had been dealing with a knee injury, and Atlanta will place him on injured reserve, Smith said that isn't necessarily the reason he is not with ...

Although Mariota had been dealing with a knee injury, and Atlanta will place him on injured reserve, Smith said that isn’t necessarily the reason he is not with the team. However, Atlanta went just 5-8 with Mariota as the starter, despite the quarterback throwing for 2,219 yards, 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions. By doing so, the team may have lost Mariota for the season entirely.

Marcus Mariota's run as the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback is over for now. Desmond Ridder will take over this weekend against the New Orleans Saints.

"And that had nothing to do with the move here. [Click Here.](https://www.si.com/nfl/falcons/) "I would anticipate (Mariota will go on IR)," Smith said. [Twitter.](https://twitter.com/FalconReportSI) "I'm in a different role, obviously Mike Vrabel was the head coach then and that's the head coach's decision," Smith said. In 2019, the Titans opted to sit Mariota in favor of Ryan Tannehill.

Days after getting benched, Marcus Mariota has seemingly quit on the Atlanta Falcons. We look at what might come next.

The San Francisco 49ers may also have interest in Mariota as a backup to sudden rookie sensation But with Ridder promoted to the starting spot, Mariota has suddenly bailed on his teammates, stepping away from the Falcons altogether. After 13 starts, Mariota heads to the bench. Another potential option is opting to release Mariota, giving him a chance to pass through waivers. This led some to speculate that Mariota was simply serving as a bridge quarterback, which was likely always the plan. It appeared to be a good fit for the No.

Executives from other teams are scratching their heads at this. Mariota technically can't be placed on injured reserve without a true and genuine injury that ...

Maybe a team the Falcons still play, like the Ravens or the Cardinals. Maybe a team in the division, like the Saints. Regardless, the situation is bizarre. Having a supposedly chronic knee injury that he suddenly decides is bad enough to sideline him isn’t enough — especially when he hasn’t been listed A SINGLE TIME in 2022 on the team’s injury report, for any reason. If true, that would explain his absence from the team. The truth, however, is that the baby was born last week, after the game against the Steelers.

Marcus Mariota left the Atlanta Falcons after head coach Arthur Smith announced he would be benched for rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder.

“We’re trying to push the offense. The 23-year-old has yet to appear in a game this year. You have to have contingency plans.”

Falcons QB Marcus Mariota is having knee surgery and will be placed on the injured reserve list.

2 quarterback for the rest of the season and rookie [Desmond Ridder](https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/lists/falcons-twitter-marcus-mariota-desmond-ridder/) is set to make his debut against the Saints in Week 15. On Wednesday, head coach [Arthur Smith](https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/lists/falcons-arthur-smith-desmond-ridder-marcus-mariota-nfl-news/) said Mariota is having knee surgery and will be placed on the injured reserve list, per team reporter Tori McElhaney. [NFC South](https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/2022/12/07/falcons-nfc-south-nfl-standings-news/) showdown in New Orleans. [Kyle Pitts](https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/2022/11/30/falcons-kyle-pitts-arthur-smith-nfl-news/) and defensive lineman [Ta’Quon Graham](https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/2022/11/20/falcons-taquon-graham-injury-news/), saying both players are unlikely to return from the injured reserve list this year. [Logan Woodside](https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/2022/12/10/falcons-logan-woodside-nfl-roster/) will serve as the team’s No. [Marcus Mariota](https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/2022/12/12/falcons-marcus-mariota-nfl-news-ir/) this season.

Published: Dec. 14, 2022, 9:20 a.m.. Marcus Mariota. Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota leaves the field after an NFL football game between the ...

Ridder, the Falcons’ third-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft, hasn’t played in a regular season game. Smith said the team “anticipates” placing Mariota on injured reserve, which would shelve him for the remainder of the regular season. Smith, who indicated that Mariota stepped away from the team the following day, said Monday that the quarterback was dealing with a “chronic” knee issue and wanted to get an evaluation.

A week after the Atlanta Falcons decided to bench Marcus Mariota in favor of rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder down the stretch, Mariota is being placed on ...

2 overall pick in the 2015 draft, Mariota was expected to be a bridge starter in Atlanta at the very least after the franchise [traded](https://www.nfl.com/news/matt-ryan-colts-falcons-trade-2022-third-round-pick) [Matt Ryan](https://www.nfl.com/players/matt-ryan/) -- with an opportunity to be more than that if he showed growth from his original time as a starter in Tennessee from 2015-2019. [two-year deal](https://www.nfl.com/videos/garafolo-falcons-signing-marcus-mariota-to-a-two-year-18-75m-deal) with the Falcons over the offseason after spending two years as [Derek Carr](https://www.nfl.com/players/derek-carr/)'s understudy in Las Vegas. His 88.2 passer rating in 2022 was lower than in all but one season as a Titan. He threw for 2,219 yards, 15 TDs and nine picks with a 61.3 completion percentage in 13 starts. "I'm just telling you that it had nothing to do with the decision and we'll just see how the week plays out." "Once that decision has been made I'll update you, but [Mariota] is not here right now for full transparency."

Mariota has started every game for the Falcons this season leading the team to a 5-8 record.

Asked if Atlanta would benefit from having Mariota on the sideline to mentor Ridder, Smith said, “I understand the question, but it’s a hypothetical. The circumstances are what they are.” Mariota has started every game for the Falcons this season leading the team to a 5-8 record. Guys have an issue, go see a doctor. A lot of guys have things. Smith declined to say what type of procedure Mariota will undergo.

This was met with mixed reviews from not only the Atlanta media but his own head coach Arthur Smith who seemed frustrated by the decision. Any frustration ...

His time with the team is clearly at its end whether he is holding a tablet on the sideline or sitting at home with his family. The best-case scenario for Atlanta is Ridder lights it up the final four weeks of the season leaving Atlanta to bring in a cheap veteran option behind him. Ideally, would it be nice to have Mariota on the sideline holding a tablet and guiding Ridder?

Desmond Ridder's promotion to starting quarterback was performance-based, not related to Mariota's injury. Dec 14, 2022 at 02:29 PM. scott bair headshot.

Smith also said Mariota would have surgery – he mentioned a knee issue in his Monday meeting with the media – and go on the reserve list. Mariota has another year on a contract signed last March, but his 2023 salary isn't guaranteed, per With just four games remaining, he's ineligible to return during the regular season.

Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith revealed how much Marcus Mariota's injury influenced his decision to make a quarterback change to Desmond Ridder.

"Just telling you that it had nothing to do with the decision." Smith shared that it's been a push from Mariota, not the team, to get the knee injury looked at. [Click Here.](https://www.si.com/nfl/falcons/) [Follow Falcon Report on ](http://dallasbasketball.com/) [Twitter.](https://twitter.com/FalconReportSI) In his absence, the Falcons signed "And that had nothing to do with the move here. "I would anticipate (Mariota will go on IR)," Smith began.

This surgery will take place next week, and Smith confirmed Atlanta's would-be backup is going on IR today. This is a bit more standard NFL fare compared to the ...

[Follow @PFRumors](https://twitter.com/PFRumors) [Matt Ryan](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RyanMa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-) to the Colts. [dealing with a chronic knee injury](https://www.profootballrumors.com/2022/12/falcons-expected-to-place-marcus-mariota-on-ir), the report of the Oregon product leaving the team emerged. The third-round rookie is [set to make his first start](https://www.profootballrumors.com/2022/12/falcons-to-start-desmond-ridder-in-week-15) against the Saints in Week 15. The Falcons would need to make the playoffs for Mariota to dress again. Smith reunited with Mariota and kept him installed as the Falcons’ starter longer than most expected, but that chapter has ended. The Titans are now in Year 4 of Tannehill as their starter, while Mariota has since bounced to Las Vegas and Atlanta. The first instance occurred in 2019, when Smith was in his first season as the Titans’ OC. With four games remaining, Mariota cannot return to Atlanta’s active roster during the regular season. Smith made it clear Wednesday that [Desmond Ridder](https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/desmond-ridder-1.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-) leapfrogged Mariota regardless of injury. The recently displaced starter will be shut down due to a knee operation, Arthur Smith said Wednesday (via The Athletic’s Josh Kendall, on Smith said Tuesday that the former Heisman winner had left the team to have his knee evaluated.

Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith said Wednesday that erstwhile starting quarterback Marcus Mariota will undergo knee surgery next week. Mariot.

The Falcons signed former Tennessee Titans practice squad quarterback Logan Woodside to the active 53-man roster. However, that didn’t come from Smith or the Falcons. Overall, the former No. 2 quarterback on Sunday and the rest of the season. But then also Wednesday came the news that Mariota was apparently away from the team for the birth of his baby. You have to have contingency plans.”

Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith said Wednesday that erstwhile starting quarterback Marcus Mariota will undergo knee surgery next week.

2 quarterback on Sunday and the rest of the season. Woodside will be active and serve as the No. The Falcons signed former Tennessee Titans practice squad quarterback Logan Woodside to the active 53-man roster. 2 overall pick in 2015 has passed for 15,656 yards, 92 touchdowns and 54 interceptions in 87 career games (74 starts) with the Titans (2015-19), Las Vegas Raiders (2020-21) and Falcons. Smith announced Thursday that Desmond Ridder would take over at starting quarterback when the Falcons came out of their bye to play New Orleans in Week 15. However, that didn't come from Smith or the Falcons.

Marcus Mariota's knee injury was not a factor in the Falcons' turning to Desmond Ridder.

HONOLULU (KHON2) – Welcome baby Makaia! Marcus Mariota recently welcomed a new addition to his growing family. Mariota and his wife, Kiyomi, recently became ...