Green Bay Packers Add Former Falcons Quarterback To The Practice Squad
The Green Bay Packers have added quarterback depth for their playoff push, signing former Atlanta Falcons starter Desmond Ridder to the practice squad. The move, reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, provides the team with a necessary insurance policy as they deal with injuries at the quarterback position.
A Needed Reinforcement For The Green Bay Packers
The signing comes at a critical time for Green Bay. Starting quarterback Jordan Love is currently in the NFL’s concussion protocol after exiting the team’s Week 16 game against the Chicago Bears. His backup, Malik Willis, also sustained a shoulder injury in that same contest, leaving the Packers’ quarterback room in a precarious state as they head into the final weeks of the regular season.
Ridder offers an experienced arm with starting experience, a valuable commodity for a team with postseason aspirations. Given the uncertainty surrounding Love and Willis, Ridder could be a candidate for elevation to the active roster as soon as the Packers’ Week 18 game against the Minnesota Vikings.
A Journeyman’s Path
It has been a whirlwind year for the 26-year-old quarterback. After being selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Ridder started 17 games over two seasons, throwing for 3,544 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Following the 2023 season, the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins in free agency and subsequently traded Ridder to the Arizona Cardinals for wide receiver Rondale Moore. His time in Arizona was brief, as was a training camp stint with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Ridder then landed with the Minnesota Vikings in September, was released in October, and later returned to their practice squad before being cut in early December. This signing with Green Bay marks his third stop with an NFC North team this season.
Low-Risk, High-Reward
For the Packers, this is a low-risk, high-reward move. Ridder provides immediate depth and a veteran presence who can be quickly integrated into the system, ensuring the team has a capable option under center as it navigates injuries on its path to the playoffs.
