Desmond Ridder has been medically cleared but will operate as the backup to Taylor Heinicke versus the Vikings on Sunday. Coach Arthur Smith made the decision to start Heinicke over Ridder for Week 9 with the short-term in mind. Ridder was evaluated for a concussion in last week's game and even after being cleared, Heinicke finished the contest. If Heinicke performs well on offense, he could potentially earn the No. 1 job going forward. Ridder has turned the ball over 12 times and has nine touchdowns through eight games.