FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Taylor Heinicke said he’s focusing only on one game and not his long-term role after moving past turnover-plagued Desmond Ridder as the Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback for Sunday’s home game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Third-year head coach Arthur Smith announced Wednesday the decision to start Heinicke was made “with all the variables considering everything.” Smith would not commit to Heinicke, a 30-year-old Atlanta-area native, keeping the job past this weekend.
“Really our focus is short term and what gives us the best chance for Sunday,” Smith said.
Heinicke said he is leaning on his experience making similar moves into the starting lineup the last two seasons with Washington and isn’t focusing on his chances to keep the job the rest of this season.
“This week, yeah, 100%,” Heinicke said after practice Wednesday. “That’s the only thing I’m focused on is this week. … I’m focused on being the guy this week. We’ll see what happens going forward.”