PHX Reporter

Desmond Ridder acknowledges that his performance in training camp has not met his expectations, but he is looking forward to the preseason opener against the Saints as an opportunity for improvement.

"I'm excited to get out there on Saturday to kind of see it," Ridder said. "Be able to play against a different color other than red and be able to go out there and let it fly."

With head coach Jonathan Gannon announcing that Kyler Murray will not participate in the preseason, Ridder and Clayton Tune are set to share all preseason reps as they compete for the backup quarterback position. Gannon described this as a "healthy" competition.

Gannon did not disclose who would start or how playing time would be allocated between Ridder and Tune. The plan could involve splitting time evenly or having each quarterback play a full game, rotating in the finale. Ridder emphasized the importance of making the most of his opportunities.

"It's huge being able to go out and play in any game," Ridder said. "Any day I get to go out and strap up my uniform and get to go out there to go play football, it's just a dream."

Clayton Tune had limited live reps during last year's preseason due to sharing the field with three other quarterbacks. His only regular-season start against the Browns was less than ideal but gave him confidence.

"I feel like I learned a lot and feel like I can operate smoothly and be able to make things happen, make plays," Tune said. "Getting in and out of the huddle and putting the ball in play, I feel much more confident in myself."

The upcoming joint practices with the Colts will provide another evaluation opportunity for both quarterbacks. They expressed enthusiasm about practicing against non-teammates. Gannon remarked that these practices, along with three preseason games, will be "interesting" and noted that both players are performing well.

Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing wants Ridder and Tune to treat preseason games seriously despite their lack of impact on regular-season standings.

"I think the big thing in a preseason game is that there's some things that are exactly like an NFL regular season game and there's some things that aren't. That's real," Petzing said. "At the end of the day, it's going to be on decision-making and operation as the big two points that we're going to stick on."

As Tune concludes his second full training camp at State Farm Stadium, familiarity with offensive schemes has been beneficial according to Petzing.

"I feel good about where I'm at," Tune said. "I feel like I've put in a good body of work... I feel good and just need to continue to get better."

In 2023, Gannon kept three quarterbacks: Murray, Tune on the 53-man roster, and Jeff Driskel on practice squad. It remains uncertain if this approach will continue into Gannon's second season as head coach.

The initial depth chart lists Ridder as No. 2 quarterback with Tune at No. 3; however, both players have been collaborative rather than competitive exclusively.

"We like to push each other -- me, Clayton, and Kyler," Ridder said. "We know if we push each other all as one we're all as a unit going become better... It's been great."

Ridder stressed not taking reps for granted: "You got to go out there and play every play like it's your last one... Just be able have fun come out win hopefully play some good football."