Post Being Benched, Marcus Mariota Walks Out On Atlanta Falcons

Marcus Mariota, the quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, has chosen to take a break from the group. Desmond Ridder, a rookie quarterback, will start for the Falcons in Week 15 as previously announced.

Post Being Benched, Marcus Mariota Walks Out On Atlanta Falcons

Due to a knee injury, Mariota was also placed on injured reserve, and it is believed that he will not be a part of the team’s long-term plans. Due to his performances, he was benched, and now Ridder has the chance to show his value in the games that are left.

Speaking about Marcus Mariota heading to the IR, head coach Arthur Smith said this-

“That had nothing to do with the move here, Josh, but there’s, you know, a lot of athletes, some chronic, but nothing that’s been an issue this season. But that’s their prerogative. And so, you know, as this happens, you know, that’s why we signed Logan on Saturday.”

Smith added:

“I’ll update you, but he’s not here right now. So, you know, just give me full transparency… I’m not a medical expert, just telling you, it had nothing to do with the decision and we’ll just see how the week plays out.”

In addition to celebrating the birth of his new child, Mariota is also spending time with his family after being benched by the Tennessee Titans. Fans throughout the league were not pleased with this since they expected him to be more loyal and respectful to the team.

This past offseason, Mariota reconnected with Arthur Smith, with whom he had previously worked in Tennessee, by signing a two-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons. While Mariota was the starter for Atlanta, the team only finished 5-8 despite his 2,219 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.

Atlanta will now rely on Ridder down the stretch as they are only one game behind the Buccaneers for first place in the NFC South. In the third round of the 2022 NFL draft, the former quarterback of the University of Cincinnati was selected.

 

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