Desmond Ridder, former Atlanta Falcons quarterback, is set to start for the Las Vegas Raiders against his old team on Monday Night Football. With Raiders' starter Aidan O'Connell out due to a knee injury, Ridder steps in, marking his first start against the Falcons since being traded. Both teams face challenges with injuries and are looking to improve their standings in the NFL.
Desmond Ridder, a familiar face for the Atlanta Falcons, is poised to start as quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders in their Monday Night Football clash. The Raiders' regular starter, Aidan O'Connell, is sidelined with a knee injury, paving the way for Ridder to face his former team. This matchup not only offers Ridder a chance for redemption but also adds an intriguing storyline as both teams grapple with their respective challenges this season.
Desmond Ridder's NFL journey has been a rollercoaster. Initially drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, Ridder spent two seasons with the team, compiling an 8-9 record as a starter. Despite showing potential, the Falcons opted to trade Ridder to the Arizona Cardinals during the offseason, following their acquisition of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins and drafting Michael Penix Jr. Ridder's time with the Cardinals was brief, as he was signed by the Raiders off Arizona's practice squad in October 2024. Now, with Aidan O'Connell injured, Ridder is set to start against his former team, offering him a chance to showcase his skills on a prominent stage [1] [2].
The Las Vegas Raiders have faced significant challenges at the quarterback position this season. Aidan O'Connell, who was expected to lead the team, has been plagued by injuries, including a thumb fracture and a recent knee bruise that has kept him out of action. With Gardner Minshew II also sidelined due to a collarbone injury, the Raiders have had to rely on Ridder and rookie Carter Bradley to fill the void. Interim offensive coordinator Scott Turner has had to prepare game plans for multiple quarterbacks, adding complexity to the team's offensive strategy [3] [4].
The Atlanta Falcons are in dire need of a win, having lost four consecutive games. Their current 6-7 record places them behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South. A victory against the Raiders would be crucial to keeping their playoff hopes alive. The Falcons have been preparing for either Ridder or O'Connell, studying the Raiders' offensive strategies under interim coordinator Scott Turner. Despite their recent struggles, the Falcons are determined to turn their season around and re-establish their position in the division [5] [6].
As Desmond Ridder prepares to face his former team, the Atlanta Falcons, in a high-stakes Monday Night Football game, both the Raiders and Falcons are eager to overcome their recent challenges. Ridder's return to the starting lineup offers him a chance to prove himself, while the Falcons aim to break their losing streak. With both teams grappling with injuries and seeking redemption, this matchup promises to be a compelling contest with significant implications for their respective seasons.
""I told him, if I see him before the game, I may have to punch him in the arm or something like that so he can't do nothing against us,"" - Drake London
""You’ve got to take the emotional part out of it. It’s not Desmond versus the Atlanta Falcons. It’s the Raiders versus the Atlanta Falcons, and he understands that."" - Antonio Pierce