ESPN's Michael Rothstein believes Marcus Mariota is "far ahead" of rookie QB Desmond Ridder on the Falcons depth chart. 

30 June 2022

Rothstein said a training camp or preseason injury would be the only way Ridder finds himself under center for Atlanta in Week 1. Mariota's familiarity with head coach Arthur Smith's offense has given him a distinct edge throughout OTAs and minicamp, Rothstein added (Mariota played under Smith in Tennessee). This report runs contrary to spring reporting that said Ridder was hot on Mariota's heels to nab the Week 1 starting job in Smith's offense. Look for Ridder to take over when the down-bad Falcons fall out of postseason contention in the second half of the season. In the meantime, Mariota's rushing ability offers some fantasy appeal in deeper leagues.