On Thursday, the Falcons told quarterback Marcus Mariota he’d be benched. The next day, he left the team.

On Tuesday, his partner had a baby. Which would explain his absence from the team. That same day, however, coach Arthur Smith painted a very different picture to TheAthletic.com, creating the clear impression that Mariota left for reasons unrelated to an impending visit from the stork.

Related players: Desmond Ridder

Regardless, the rookie Ridder takes over this week for the Falcons at QB, and according to the story, the Falcons aren’t quite sure whether Mariota will be back. At all. The story said the team technically can't place him on IR with an injury that doesn't appear to be legit. The story added releasing him could mean he ends up on another team, perhaps a division rival, as the Falcons are trying to make the playoffs.

Falcons said they anticipate placing QB Marcus Mariota on injured reserve, which would end his season.

Related Players: Desmond Ridder

There may have been more than meet's the eye about the team's decision to move over to Ridder during the bye week, but nonetheless, it looks like it will be the rookie's job to keep for the remainder of the season.

The Falcons are looking to the future, making a QB switch to rookie Desmond Ridder as the starter.

Related Players: Marcus Mariotta

With all due respect to veteran Marcus Mariotta, it's about time we get to see what Ridder can do before the season ends. Ridder tested off the charts at the combine, leading all quarterbacks with a 4.52 40-yard dash, 36-inch vertical, and a 10-7 broad jump. Ridder had an impressive preseason, including a 10-for-13, 143-yard performance in Week 2 and a 59-yard day on the ground in Week 1. The Falcons are unlikely to become a pass-first team this season, but Ridder could be fantasy relevant as the playoffs approach.