The Atlanta Falcons will take on the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 15, and they may see a familiar face at quarterback. Former Falcons third-round pick Desmond Ridder is in line to start for the Raiders on Monday night with Aidan O’Connell battling a knee injury.
According to a report from ESPN, O’Connell is a “longshot” to play against Atlanta. Ridder downplayed the significance of potentially starting against his former team.
“Like I was told in the locker room after the game, God works in mysterious ways,” said Ridder. “Whether I play, whether I don’t play, whenever that decision is made. Like I’ve said every week, I’m excited and blessed to be able to go out there and step onto the field and to be able to go play the game that I love, the game that I grew up playing.”
Ridder has appeared in four games this season, passing for 239 yards, one touchdown and zero interceptions. The third-year QB said he’s staying ready regardless of the situation or team he faces.
“Whether it’s against the Falcons, the Titans, it doesn’t matter who it’s against,” explained Ridder.
“God works in mysterious ways.”
Raiders QB Desmond Ridder speaks on potentially starting his first game as a Raider against his former team, the Atlanta Falcons, on Monday Night Football.
: By @Sean_Zittel, Vegas Sports Today#RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/gD5vOj9ZbR
— Vegas Sports Today (@VegasSportsTD) December 11, 2024
Atlanta is preparing to face Ridder in Week 15 but defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake doesn’t see it as a major advantage.
“We know him, but it’s a different scheme,” said Lake. “I don’t think it’s a humongous advantage at all.”
The Falcons are 4.5-point favorites entering Sunday’s game in Las Vegas. The team will look to end a four-game losing streak and stay in the hunt for the NFC South crown.