The Atlanta Falcons have decided to hold rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. out for the remainder of the preseason.
Penix, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was among nearly 40 players who did not participate in the Falcons’ 13-12 preseason defeat to the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. In the absence of Penix, quarterbacks Taylor Heinicke and John Paddock shared playing time.
Head coach Raheem Morris explained after the game that the decision was based on Penix’s performance in the preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins and subsequent practices.
“It was all about that. Last week, we wanted to get him out there and get a feel for what he was in a live game, which we kind of already knew,” Morris said, as reported by team reporter Tori McElhaney. “We wanted to see him be able to answer questions, talk about it on the sideline, go out there and execute, make mistakes, and know what to do.”
He added, “We feel really good with where we’re at with Michael. Mike showed us, last week, enough that we don’t have to play him in the preseason.”
The Falcons’ decision to select Penix was notable, particularly after signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a significant free-agent deal in March. The team has emphasized that Penix will initially serve as a backup and learn from the veteran Pro Bowler.
In his preseason debut against Miami, Penix completed 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards.
The Falcons have also faced injury setbacks during the preseason. Rookie linebacker Bralen Trice is out for the season due to a knee injury sustained against the Dolphins, and safety DeMarcco Hellams is out indefinitely after being carted off the field in the same game.
Atlanta will play its final preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on August 23.
