Days after Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota was demoted from the starting role, Atlanta coach Arthur Smith told reporters on Wednesday that the veteran is expected to undergo knee surgery and be placed on the injured reserve list, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
After the quarterback change, Mariota stepped away from the team. Logan Woodside will serve as the backup quarterback to rookie Desmond Ridder.
Smith reiterated that Mariota’s knee injury had nothing to do with why Ridder was chosen to start this Sunday against the Saints.