The Atlanta Falcons made waves in the 2024 NFL Draft by selecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick. This decision came shortly after the Falcons signed veteran Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract in free agency.
Penix Jr. saw limited action in the preseason despite the high expectations. In his only appearance, he played just over a quarter, completing 9-of-16 passes for 104 yards against the Miami Dolphins. He didn’t throw for a touchdown pass or interception, but he played well.
Penix Jr. did not suit up for the next two preseason games, when QBs Taylor Heinicke and John Paddock battled for the third-string spot.
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris addressed Penix Jr.’s limited playing time following the team’s second preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens.
“We’ve seen enough last week of Michael Penix in the live stuff,” Morris told reporters, via Daniel Flick of Sports Illustrated. “And now we had the chance to mitigate him in practice and we give him a bunch of live stuff out there in practice that you do everything you would do in a game, other than get hit.”
Morris elaborated on Penix Jr.’s situation via the AP.
“You’ve seen the amount of reps that Michael’s been able to get without really taking away from our starter. 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 coach also provided further detail on the team’s approach with Penix Jr. with Kay Adams.
Penix Jr.’s absence from the preseason games raises questions about the Falcons’ intentions. There are two potential reasons for this approach. The first could be to avoid injuries. Minnesota Vikings rookie QB J.J. McCarthy, also a first-round pick, suffered a torn meniscus in the preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders and underwent season-ending surgery.
The other possibility is that the Falcons are “hiding” Penix Jr. from the rest of the NFL, reminiscent of how the Kansas City Chiefs managed Patrick Mahomes during his rookie season behind Alex Smith.
By limiting Penix Jr.’s exposure, Morris is likely avoiding a potential quarterback controversy. If Penix Jr. had played well in the preseason and Cousins, who is coming off a torn Achilles while adjusting to a new team, struggles against the Pittsburgh Steelers’ formidable defense in the opener Sept. 8, the pressure on Morris could intensify.
As the regular season approaches, the Falcons’ strategy with Penix Jr. will be closely watched. Whether the team is preserving him for future success, managing his development carefully or trying to prevent a QB controversy, the rookie quarterback’s role in Atlanta’s future will remain a topic of intrigue.
