Team news: Los Angeles Chargers | Page 5

A new QB in Atlanta: Falcons’ HC Arthur Smith named Taylor Heinicke as the starting QB for Sunday’s game vs. the Vikings.

Related Players: Desmond Ridder

Maybe a change at the helm will force the team's hand into using their three top-10 offensive weapons. Heinicke should be left off of fantasy radars until we see what the Falcons look like with a full game of him at QB.

Jalen Reagor, rookie Demario Douglas and JuJu Smith-Schuster are now the top three on the depth chart, with 2022 second-round pick Tyquan Thornton (a healthy scratch Sunday) and 2023 sixth-rounder Kayshon Boutte (inactive since the season opener) next in line.

The 5-8, 192-pound Douglas is a quick slot receiver whose playing time has spiked the past two weeks (78 of 113 snaps).

It's not a great WR group, but, as they say, someone needs to catch the ball. The story said Reagor has drawn some praise, but we've all been down that road before. If he's on your wire, Douglas could be someone to stash away at this point, especially with his increased playing time recently. The story went on to say Douglas is often sent in motion before the snap, making him a threat as a runner with the possibility of taking a handoff, and has been targeted 13 times the past two weeks.

Arthur Smith said he’ll announce on Wednesday who his starter is against Minnesota.

“I promise you, I’ll come in on Wednesday and tell you who’s starting,” Smith said, via Tori McElhaney of the Falcons.

Related players: Desmond Ridder, Taylor Heinicke, Logan Woodside

Asked if Ridder would start assuming he’s 100 percent healthy, Smith answered, “I have to see where he’s at.” Heinicke came off the bench and played better than Ridder did, which would seem to indicate that Heinicke also gives the Falcons the better chance to beat the Vikings on Sunday, the story concluded. But Smith has invested a lot of time in developing Ridder and has indicated that he believes in Ridder going forward, and he may not be ready to bench his young quarterback just yet, the story added.

Arthur Smith said they'll evaluate the QB position this week. Reiterated that health can affect performance and his No. 1 concern is Desmond Ridder's health.

"Whoever is going to play this week has got to get the reps."

Related players: Taylor Heinicke

Ridder was evaluated for a concussion and cleared protocol but Smith opted to stay with Heinicke instead of bringing Ridder back out. Heinicke played well during his time so the Falcons may decide to take advantage of this open door. No matter who plays, they could be without WR London Drake who is dealing with a groin injury. The Falcons host the Vikings in an early game. Those in deeper leagues or superflex leagues may want to add Heinicke with the chance he gets the start.

Falcons QB Desmond Ridder is being evaluated for a concussion and Taylor Heinicke is now in at quarterback.

Ridder certainly got roughed up in the first half, getting sacked five times and lost a fumble. He was 8/12 for 71 yards and added 26 yards on three rushing attempts. The offense again continued to struggle, scoring just six points in the first half and now there will be many more questions surrounding the unit. It will be interesting to see hoe Heinicke performs and if he can steal the starting job away from Ridder.

Falcons HC Arthur Smith tells reporters that Desmond Ridder remains the starting QB.

Related players: Taylor Heinicke, Logan Woodside

Ridder threw for just 191 yards and added two interceptions to his totals against the Jags on Sunday morning in the first London game of the season. The Jags led 17-0 at the half forcing the Falcons to come out throwing and play catch-up during the second half. The Falcons host the Texans in Week 5. Those in deeper leagues or superflex leagues may want to think about making some room for Heinicke if he's on your wire as Ridder could be one more bad start away from a benching.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Justin Herbert has been diagnosed with a fracture in the finger. Herbert, who dropped a Monty Python reference when asked about the finger after the game, also suffered what Rapoport describes as a “gruesome nail injury.”

The Chargers have a bye in Week 5 and neither of the injuries are expected to affect his availability for their Week 6 Monday night game against the Cowboys. Herbert did finish the game in Week 4. Good news for owners who will have him back in lineups for Week 6.

Chargers QB Justin Herbert's finger injury is not considered major.

Herbert had a splint on his non-throwing hand but did finish the game, including a perfect deep pass on third down to ice the contest. Rapoport said it may be a break or a dislocation, but the Chargers have a bye in Week 5, which comes at a good time for Herbert. We'll continue to monitor his injury heading into Week 6. It's a home game against the Cowboys on Monday night, so owners may need to have a backup plan in place.

Coach Brandon Staley said in July they would bring Quentin Johnston along slowly, and that’s held true. Staley said the slow ramp-up for their first-round pick isn’t because Johnston isn’t ready, but rather because of the talent ahead of him.

But that timeline has shifted. Mike Williams suffered a season-ending ACL tear in Sunday’s win against the Minnesota Vikings. The Chargers no longer have the luxury of keeping their first-round receiver hidden on the sidelines.

“We believe in the makeup of this guy, and now he's going to get a bigger opportunity because there are going to be more opportunities available for him,” Staley said. “So it's a great chance for him to step up.”

Related players: Keenan Allen, Josh Palmer

Allen is obviously still the top target but will probably draw more attention from defenses. Johnston will battle with Palmer for the WR2 spot but certainly has a chance to take over that role given his first-round talent. But as the story said, Johnston's play fluctuated in camp and he struggled with drops at one point. Still, if you're looking for help at the WR position, Johnston should be picked up and at least stashed for a week or two to see how he starts to fit in with this high-powered offense.

Source: Chargers WR Mike Williams has torn his ACL and is out for the season, the MRI confirmed.

Related players: Keenan Allen, Josh Palmer, Quentin Johnston

It's what was feared since Sunday after the game. Williams was having a standout Week 3 before the injury happened. Williams will try to bounce back for next year at the age of 30. As for this season, rookie Johnston should be picked up this week if he's still on your waiver wire. It appears he's going to see an increased role according to those who follow the team. Palmer will also factor in give how much the Chargers throw the ball.