The Atlanta Falcons have reached a decision regarding the game status of quarterback Taylor Heinicke and defensive end Zach Harrison. Listed as questionable on Friday's injury report, both players have been ruled out and placed on the inactives list prior to Sunday's matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

With Heinicke sidelined, former starting quarterback Desmond Ridder will make his return to the starting lineup. Ridder, who had previously held the QB1 position, will be backed up by Logan Woodside, the Falcons' emergency third quarterback throughout the season.

It's worth noting that Heinicke has been designated as the emergency third quarterback for Sunday's game in New Orleans. However, he will only dress for the game and will not be able to enter unless both Ridder and Woodside are deemed ineligible to take the field. If either Ridder or Woodside is cleared to play, Heinicke would need to immediately leave the game.

Heinicke had started the Falcons' last two games but suffered an ankle injury during their win against the Colts in Week 16. Although he played the entire game, he was limited in practice in the following week. Despite expressing optimism about his availability for Sunday's game, Heinicke's ankle injury ultimately led to him being listed as inactive.

The Falcons, who have a 6-6 record in games with Ridder starting, hope to turn their fortunes around with him at the helm. Ridder has thrown 12 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions in his 12 starts, maintaining a completion percentage of 63.4. The last time Ridder faced the Saints in New Orleans was in his debut start for the Falcons in 2022, resulting in a loss. During that game, Ridder completed 13 of 26 passing attempts for 97 yards, was sacked four times, and had no touchdowns or interceptions.

As the Falcons gear up for Sunday's game, the full list of inactives for Week 18 includes Heinicke and Harrison, among others.