The Atlanta Falcons have received some flack for giving quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. little playing time in preseason, but head coach Raheem Morris feels it’s not worth the risk.
“[It’s not about] me protecting myself for a decision we made together,” Morris said Monday during an interview with FanDuel’s “Up & Adams.” “It’s about protecting our assets.”
Cousins isn’t expected to play in preseason. Penix, meanwhile, played in the preseason opener against the Dolphins but sat out in their second game vs. the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. He isn’t scheduled to play in the preseason finale vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday.
Not letting the QBs suit up makes some sense, considering each has durability concerns. During Cousins’ last season with the Minnesota Vikings in 2023, he suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon tear in Week 8 vs. the Green Bay Packers. Before transferring to Washington, Penix — the eighth overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft — had four season-ending injuries in four seasons at Indiana, including three right ACL tears.
If Cousins and Penix suffered injuries, the Falcons would have to turn to backup Taylor Heinicke, who’s been an inconsistent starter throughout his career. In six seasons with the Panthers, Falcons, Commanders and Texans, the former undrafted free agent has a 13-15-1 starting record in the regular season.
However, not playing Cousins or Penix could create problems. Resting in preseason may prevent Cousins from developing chemistry with his new weapons.
Penix isn’t expected to start this season but needs reps to gain more experience. Against the Dolphins, he completed 9-of-16 passes for 104 yards and posted a below-average 76 passer rating, signaling he still has room for improvement.
The Falcons’ strategy is understandable. Still, if Atlanta’s offense falters due to poor QB play this season, sitting them in the preseason may look like a mistake.
