Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has played in just one preseason game for the Atlanta Falcons. Coach Raheem Morris feels that’s enough.
Penix, who was the No. 8 pick in the NFL draft and is seen as the Falcons’ future quarterback, did not play in last weekend’s game against Baltimore. He will also be sitting out the preseason finale against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday night.
This decision to limit Penix’s playing time has surprised many, especially since starter Kirk Cousins isn’t playing in the preseason as he recovers from an Achilles tendon injury.
Morris explained that he has seen enough of Penix in practice, including during two joint practices with the Miami Dolphins, to assess his progress. The coach doesn’t want to risk Penix getting injured in a preseason game.
“You’ve seen the amount of reps that Michael’s been able to get without really taking away from our starter,” Morris told reporters on Monday. “He’s got a huge amount of reps versus our starting defense. And I feel really good about where he’s going and what he’s going to develop.”
The Falcons signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract, which includes $100 million in guaranteed money. Then, in a surprising move, they used their first pick to draft Penix, believing he was too talented to pass up.
Cousins, who turned 36 on Monday, is the current starter. However, it’s clear the Falcons are planning for Penix to eventually take over as the starting quarterback.
While it might seem reasonable to give Penix more time during the preseason, Morris said that’s not necessary. He mentioned that the team would have another chance to evaluate Penix during an intrasquad scrimmage on Wednesday.
“I could play him a little bit more if I needed something else,” Morris said. “But I don’t feel that way. And I don’t think any of the people that I would talk to in that circle of trust would feel that way or we’d be playing him a little bit more.”
In his only preseason game, Penix completed 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards against the Dolphins, with no touchdowns or interceptions.
Third-string quarterback Taylor Heinicke and undrafted rookie John Paddock handled all the snaps against the Ravens, and they will do so again on Friday.
