The Atlanta Falcons are preparing for Sunday afternoon's regular-season finale against the New Orleans Saints with a chance to still make the playoffs However, the status of quarterback Taylor Heinicke was in question all week as he is dealing with a right ankle sprain, so is he playing in Week 18 vs. the Saints?

Unfortunately, Heinicke is inactive because of the injury and will be replaced by Desmond Ridder.

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Taylor Heinicke injury status vs. Saints 

Taylor Heinicke throwing the football

Taylor Heinicke was listed as questionable for the game, and he and the Falcons were apparently “hopeful” that he would be able to suit up and start the game against the Saints, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Unfortunately, he just wasn't able to go after trying to make it happen.

Heinicke has been the starting quarterback for the Falcons, taking the job from Desmond Ridder after the Cincinnati product struggled. Heinicke has started four games but won't be able to make a fifth with a playoff spot on the line. He made his first appearance for the Falcons on October 29 against the Tennessee Titans. Combining that with the four games that came after, he has thrown for 890 yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions.

As noted, there is still a chance for the Falcons to not only make the playoffs but even win the division even with their 7-9 record heading into Week 18. Atlanta has to handle business against a divisional rival in the Saints and hope the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lose to the 2-14 Carolina Panthers.