The Atlanta Falcons are handing Desmond Ridder the starting quarterback berth when they return from their bye week.
The 2022 third-round pick has been elevated to starter ahead of Marcus Mariota, with NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport saying his first game in that role will come in Week 15 against the New Orleans Saints.
Having traded Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts in the offseason, Ridder was picked up on Day 2 of the Draft and showed flashes of his ability during preseason – though a patient approach has led to him standing as back-up to Mariota for the first 13 weeks of the campaign.
Standing 5-8, the Falcons have hit a rough patch after failing to score more than 17 points in each of their four losses over the past five weeks, with Atlanta's chances of reaching the playoffs now looking slim.
Turning to Ridder for the remaining weeks of the season will provide experience to the rookie ahead of an expected first full campaign as the leading quarterback in 2023.
A decision will need to be made regarding Mariota, however, with Tom Pelissero reporting the 29-year-old is due $12million in 2023, including a $3m bonus in March.
Lane Johnson to 'retire an Eagle' after signing one-year extension with Philadelphia
Lane Johnson's goal is to retire as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, and he now looks destined to achieve that aim by signing a one-year extension.
The All-Pro right tackle inked an extension worth $33.445million, and includes $30m guaranteed.
It will keep the 32-year-old under contract through the 2026 season.
"My whole goal is to retire an Eagle," Johnson said on Friday.
"That's what I'm going to do. I'm just excited to be here, be as fortunate as I am to be with one team for as long as I have.
"I love this game and, more importantly, I love the people and the coaches that I'm with every day and that's why I love the game so much."
Johnson is a two-time first-team All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler who has started 127 games in a stellar career.
Having won Super Bowl LI with the Eagles in 2017, the 2013 fourth overall pick helped Philadelphia to Super Bowl LVII last season, where they lost 38-35 to the Kansas City Chiefs.
In 2022, his aggregate win rate across pass protection and run blocking of 78.26 per cent was ninth among all tackles, according to Stats Perform data.
Tom Brady invests in Las Vegas Aces
Tom Brady hopes investing in the Las Vegas Aces will help the WNBA "continue to do to grow" and "empower future generations of athletes."
Seven-time Super Bowl champion Brady has acquired an ownership interest in the world champion Aces.
The legendary former quarterback, who retired in February, jumped at the chance to be part of the organisation.
He said: "I am very excited to be part of the Las Vegas Aces organisation. My love for women's sports began at a young age when I would tag along to all my older sisters' games.
"They were by far the best athletes in our house! We celebrated their accomplishments together as a family, and they remain a great inspiration to me.
"I have always been a huge fan of women's sports, and I admire the work that the Aces' players, staff, and the WNBA continue to do to grow the sport and empower future generations of athletes.
"To be able to contribute in any way to that mission as a member of the Aces organisation is an incredible honour."
Aces owner Mark Davis said: "Since I purchased the Aces, our goal has been to win on and off the court. Tom Brady is a win not only for the Aces, and the WNBA, but for women's professional sports as a whole."
Foster Moreau puts NFL career on hold to fight cancer
NFL tight end Foster Moreau revealed he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma during a physical with the New Orleans Saints.
The 25-year-old is a free agent following his release from the Las Vegas Raiders, who drafted him in 2019, and was diagnosed during a visit to his hometown team in free agency.
Moreau's hunt for a new team will now be halted as he prepares for treatment, though he plans to continue his NFL career in the future.
"Through somewhat of a miraculous process, this free agency period has been life changing for me," he posted on Twitter.
"During a routine physical conducted by the Saints medical team down in New Orleans, I've come to learn that I have Hodgkin's lymphoma and will be stepping away from football at this time to fight a new opponent: Cancer.
"I'm grateful for the support and thankful for the people who have stood firm with me. There hasn't been a single step I've taken without hundreds of people lighting the path before me and I will continue to seek their guidance.
"That being said, I'll go kick this thing's ass and get back to doing what I love."
In four seasons with the Raiders, Moreau had 91 receptions for 1,107 total yards, including a career-high 420 in 2022.
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