Falcons have more quarterback questions as they cling to hopes of winning NFC South

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder walk off the field after a loss to the Chicago Bears after an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

The Atlanta Falcons’ season of uncertainty at quarterback will continue through the final week of the regular season.

Falcons coach Arthur Smith said Monday that Taylor Heinicke, who left Sunday’s 37-17 loss to the Chicago Bears with a left ankle injury, will try to return this week.

Even so, Smith said Heinicke’s status for this Sunday’s game at New Orleans probably will not be known before Friday.