The Falcons released the 10th depth chart of the regular season heading into a road game against the Arizona Cardinals, with some defensive changes and a switch-up at quarterback.
Arthur Smith announced Monday that quarterback Taylor Heinicke would get the starting nod for the second straight week. Subsequently, Heinicke moves into the first spot on the chart, with Desmond Ridder sliding down as the backup.
"Doesn't mean anything's over for Des, but we need to go get this win out in Arizona," Smith said Monday.
Atlanta signed Andre Smith Jr. to the 53-man roster from the practice squad Tuesday. In a corresponding move, the Falcons released Tae Davis. Smith takes the backup spot behind Nate Landman.
The defensive line saw a couple of changes, as well, after last week's transactions. LaCale London was assigned to the injured reserve and the Falcons added Travis Bell from the Chicago Bears practice squad. Kentavius Street moves up and into London's previous spot. Bell is listed behind Street.
As a weekly reminder, continue to note that the "J" next to Cordarrelle Patterson signifies a "Joker" position with the veteran playing multiple positions.
OFFENSE
| Position | Starter | Backup | Reserve |
|---|---|---|---|
| WR | Mack Hollins | KhaDarel Hodge | |
| TE | Kyle Pitts | Keith Smith | John FitzPatrick |
| LT | Jake Matthews | ||
| LG | Matthew Bergeron | Jovaughn Gwyn | |
| C | Drew Dalman | Ryan Neuzil | |
| RG | Chris Lindstrom | Kyle Hinton | |
| RT | Kaleb McGary | Storm Norton | |
| TE | Jonnu Smith | MyCole Pruitt | |
| WR | Drake London | Scotty Miller | Van Jefferson |
| HB | Bijan Robinson | Tyler Allgeier | |
| QB | Taylor Heinicke | Desmond Ridder | Logan Woodside |
| J | Cordarrelle Patterson |
Take a monochrome look at the matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and the Minnesota Vikings during Week 9.
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Bud Dupree #48 rushes the quarterback during the third quarter of the Week 9 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 5, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Kentavius Street #75 celebrates after a fumble recovery during the third quarter of the Week 9 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 5, 2023. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Jonnu Smith #81 runs for a touchdown during the third quarter of the Week 9 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 5, 2023. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 is congratulated by defensive lineman Calais Campbell #93 after a field goal during the third quarter of the Week 9 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 5, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 celebrates with teammates after a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the Week 9 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 5, 2023. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Halftime enlistment ceremony during the Week 9 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 5, 2023. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Richie Grant #27 arrives before the Week 9 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 5, 2023. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Halftime enlistment ceremony during the Week 9 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 5, 2023. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Jonnu Smith #81 celebrates with teammates after a touchdown during the third quarter of the Week 9 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 5, 2023. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 arrives before the Week 9 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 5, 2023. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end MyCole Pruitt #85 arrives before the Week 9 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 5, 2023. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 attempts to catch a pass during the third quarter of the Week 9 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 5, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Kentavius Street #75 celebrates after a fumble recovery during the third quarter of the Week 9 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 5, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 arrives before the Week 9 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 5, 2023. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Calais Campbell #93 react after sacking the quarterback for a safety during the second quarter of the Week 9 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 5, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 rushes during the third quarter of the Week 9 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 5, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Calais Campbell #93 sacks the quarterback for a safety during the second quarter of the Week 9 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 5, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter #0 makes a tackle during the fourth quarter of the Week 9 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 5, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter #0 returns a fumble recovery during the second quarter of the Week 9 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 5, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Halftime enlistment ceremony during the Week 9 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 5, 2023. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Tae Davis #50 arrives prior to the Week 9 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 5, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Calais Campbell #93 react after sacking the quarterback for a safety during the second quarter of the Week 9 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 5, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter #0celebrates with teammates after a fumble recovery during the second quarter of the Week 9 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 5, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 during the fourth quarter of the Week 9 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 5, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Flyover during the anthem prior to the Week 9 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 5, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 during the fourth quarter of the Week 9 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 5, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
DEFENSE
| Position | Starter | Backup | Reserve |
|---|---|---|---|
| DL | Albert Huggins | Kentavius Street | Travis Bell |
| DL | David Onyemata | Ta'Quon Graham | |
| DL | Calais Campbell | Zach Harrison | Joe Gaziano |
| OLB | Bud Dupree | Lorenzo Carter | |
| ILB | Kaden Elliss | ||
| ILB | Nate Landman | Andre Smith Jr. | |
| OLB | Arnold Ebiketie | DeAngelo Malone | |
| CB | A.J. Terrell | Mike Hughes | |
| S | Jessie Bates III | Micah Abernathy | |
| S | Richie Grant | DeMarcco Hellams | |
| NB | Dee Alford | Clark Phillips III | |
| CB | Jeff Okudah | Tre Flowers |
SPECIAL TEAMS
| Position | Starter | Backup | Backup |
|---|---|---|---|
| K | Younghoe Koo | ||
| P | Bradley Pinion | ||
| LS | Liam McCullough | ||
| H | Bradley Pinion | ||
| PR | Dee Alford | Mike Hughes | |
| KOR | Cordarrelle Patterson | Mike Hughes |
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