Taylor Heinicke has been named the Week 9 starter for the Atlanta Falcons, according to coach Arthur Smith. Heinicke will start against the Vikings on Sunday, despite Desmond Ridder being cleared to operate as Atlanta's backup. In Week 8, Heinicke entered the game in relief of Ridder and completed 12 of 21 passes for 175 yards and one touchdown, with zero interceptions. Coach Smith mentioned that the quarterback change is a short-term decision focused on the Minnesota matchup, but if Heinicke performs well, he could keep the starting job.