ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons are making a change to their starting line-up, confirming with 11Alive's Maria Martin that rookie Desmond Ridder will be the new starting quarterback for the team.

Ridder will be replacing current quarterback Marcus Mariota, who has struggled during the last couple of games against the Washington Commanders and Pittsburgh Steelers.

The switch was highly speculated after Falcons Head Coach Arthur Smith hinted that "everything's on the table" earlier this week in a news conference.

OFFICIAL: I have confirmed that the #Falcons are making a change at QB. Desmond Ridder is the starter.

— Maria Martin (@Ria_Martin) December 8, 2022

It's Atlanta's bye week and Ridder has yet to play a regular-season game meaning he has a little extra time to get ready for Dec. 18. His first game as the starting quarterback will be against the New Orleans Saints.

News happens fast. Download our 11Alive News app for all the latest breaking updates, and sign up for our Speed Feed newsletter to get a rundown of the latest headlines across north Georgia.