3 Biggest injury concerns for the Atlanta Falcons this season

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Jan 19, 2020; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs the ball during the AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Marcus Mariota

The fact the Atlanta Falcons signed Marcus Mariota as quickly as they did after parting ways with veteran Matt Ryan points to Mariota being given the starting job for at least a large portion of the season. Mariota has a history of being injury-prone something the Falcons need Mariota to avoid for the first half of the season allowing Ridder to learn the offense and catch up to the speed of the next level.

Atlanta sticking with Mariota as the starter likely points to Ridder still not being ready to take over the starting job. Forcing him into action could set him up for failure instead of allowing Atlanta to slowly ramp up his responsibilities and setting him up to start in one of their easier games in the second half of the season.

For at least the first eight weeks Atlanta needs Mariota to find a way to stay on the field. Without another capable veteran option on the roster, the Falcons are obviously counting on Mariota to do just that.

Desmond Ridder should get his chance this season but only when the team believes he is truly ready not throwing him in due to a Mariota injury.

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