Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons running back Carlos Washington Jr. ran for 25 yards on 16 attempts and found the end zone in a 20-13 loss to the Miami Dolphins Friday night. The average yards per attempt at 1.6 yards was underwhelming for the second-year running back, but he made up for it by finding the end zone on a strong one-yard rush in the first quarter. With Bijan Robinson as the clear RB1 and Tyler Allgeier as the clear RB2, along with Jase McClellan and Avery Williams ahead of him on the depth chart. A lot would have to happen for the 25-year-old to get anywhere near the field this season. The fact he led the team in rushing attempts should be a positive sign moving forward for Washington.

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Casey Washington caught three passes on nine targets for 27 yards in a 20-13 loss to the Miami Dolphins Friday night. Despite the heavy volume for the 23-year-old receiver, he wasn't able to do much with it. The rookie out of the University of Illinois was able to log an impressive 12.4 yards per reception in the limited time he received in college on 122 receptions in 55 total games. Although, he was only able to find the end zone four times during his five years in college. There are no expectations for Washington to be used on the offense as the team's fifth wideout on the depth chart, but the early heavy volume is a positive side for the rookie receiver.

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Chris Blair caught two passes for 45 receiving yards in Friday's 20-13 loss to the Miami Dolphins. The 26-year-old did lead the team in receiving on only three targets. He reeled in a gorgeous 41-yard long ball from Michael Penix Jr., the first-round draft pick for the Atlanta Falcons. The 26-year-old former XFL player looks to be nothing more than a depth piece for this season, but it was a great showing from him nonetheless on Friday.

Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw for 104 yards in his professional preseason debut Friday night in a 20-13 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Penix was efficient in tossing the pigskin, going 9-for-16 in pass attempts while completing a game-long 41-yard dime to Chris Blair in-stride. The 2024 first-rounder isn't expected to play much this season, or possibly the next few seasons, with the Falcons signing Kirk Cousins (Achilles) to a four-year $180 million deal this offseason. Penix should see a ton of playing time throughout the preseason, with Cousins not expected to suit up until Week 1.

If the Atlanta Falcons stick to their plan, quarterback Kirk Cousins (Achilles) will enter the regular season without any game action this year. Cousins did participate in the joint practices on Tuesday and Wednesday against the Miami Dolphins, but he's unlikely to suit up during the preseason. Head coach Raheem Morris is fine with where the signal-caller is at in his recovery from last season's torn Achilles and believes Cousins will be ready for the regular-season opener, which is set for Sep. 8 against the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Although Cousins will be 36 years old by the time the season starts and is coming off a serious injury, he was playing at an MVP level before going down last year, throwing for 291.4 yards per game with 18 touchdowns and five interceptions in eight starts for the Minnesota Vikings. Treat him as a fringe QB1/2 to begin his first season with Atlanta.