As the Raiders’ backup quarterback, Desmond Ridder is prepared to be ready to play at any time.

During his short time in Las Vegas, he has already been called off the bench four times. He knows the drill.

However, Ridder’s preparation for Monday’s game against Atlanta is particularly challenging.

He could start or spend the entire time on the sidelines. It all depends on the health of starter Aidan O’Connell, who is questionable with a knee injury.

O’Connell did not practice for the Raiders on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. This meant that Ridder took over all first team representation. He said he’s ready to play whatever role he needs by Monday.

“You have to prepare as if it could be any game,” Ridder said. “It could be the first piece. It could be the 70th piece. So for me, my attitude doesn’t change. I come and work the same way Monday to Sunday.”

Known enemy

Monday’s game is also unique for Ridder in other ways.

The Raiders (2-11) will face the Falcons (6-7), the team that drafted him in the third round in 2022. He started 17 games in his first two years in the NFL before Atlanta renovated its quarterback room this offseason. The Falcons signed veteran Kirk Cousins ​​to a four-year, $180 million contract and then made a stunning draft-night move by selecting Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick.

Ridder, 25, was traded to the Cardinals in March to serve as Kyler Murray’s backup. At the end of training camp, he was released and signed to Arizona’s practice squad. He spent the first seven weeks of the season there before being signed by the Raiders on October 22 after O’Connell broke his right thumb.

It’s been a humbling year for Ridder, to say the least. But he could still get the chance to start against his former team for the first time this season.

“God works in mysterious ways,” Ridder said.

When Ridder actually plays, the key is to put his emotions aside.

“It’s not about Desmond versus the Atlanta Falcons. It’s the Raiders versus the Atlanta Falcons and he understands that,” coach Antonio Pierce said. “Look, just do your job as quarterback.”

Hawks stagnate

The Falcons are no better off with Cousins ​​than they were with Ridder, despite their huge financial investment.

Ridder completed 64.2 percent of his passes for 2,836 yards, 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions with Atlanta last season. As a starter he was 6-7.

Cousins ​​​​is 6-7 years old this year. He completed 67 percent of his passes for 3,396 yards, 17 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.

Penix represents the team’s future at quarterback and his time could be coming soon. But Ridder would have been a much cheaper bridge quarterback for the Falcons and would have given them a similar game.

Atlanta’s plight is not a concern for Ridder at this point. He has his own goals to focus on.

He’s a free agent at the end of the year, so he wants to play well to sell himself to the Raiders or another team.

“As I’ve said every week, I’m excited and blessed to have the opportunity to get on the field and play the game that I love, the game that I love.” I grew up playing the game, in that I put in a lot of time, work, sweat and tears,” said Ridder. “So whether it’s against the Falcons – it doesn’t matter who it’s against. Any opportunity I get to go out and showcase my talents is an exciting time.”

Pierce expects Ridder will be focused on his work when he gets the call.

“You don’t have to be Superman and go out and win on your own. It’s a team sport,” Pierce said. “Understand what we’re trying to achieve with the game plan if it’s Desmond. But more importantly, don’t make it a singles match, right? This is in your past. You’ve moved on and you have a great opportunity here. Worry about it.”

Contact Vincent Bonsignore at [email protected]. Follow @VinnyBonsignore on X.