Michael Penix Jr.'s Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. won't suit up for the team's preseason finale versus Jacksonville. Fortunately, it appears the rookie isn't injured. However, head coach Raheem Morris opted to hold him out of Saturday's matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. With that said, Kirk Cousins (Achilles) won't suit up, meaning Taylor Heinicke and John Paddock will presumably close out the preseason for Atlanta before the club preparers for Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Raheem Morris explained the decision to sit Michael Penix Jr. for today's game by noting that Penix had already shown enough during the first preseason game against Miami. Given his strong performance there, the coaching staff felt it wasn't necessary for him to play today. Although it was surprising that Penix didn't start in Saturday's preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens, Taylor Heinicke took the helm to showcase his abilities as a potential trade asset for quarterback-needy teams. If the Falcons have a successful season, Penix may not see any meaningful snaps. While it would seem beneficial for Penix to gain game experience, considering his history with knee injuries and his guaranteed spot on the roster, the team likely wants to avoid unnecessary hits. This is positive news for Atlanta's playmakers, who should be well-positioned even if Kirk Cousins has to miss any time.

Atlanta Falcons rookie first-round quarterback Michael Penix Jr. came onto the field in Baltimore on Saturday in street clothes and appears unlikely to suit up for the preseason contest against the Ravens. The Falcons are planning to hold veteran Kirk Cousins (Achilles) out for the entire preseason, too, so it looks like we'll see a lot of Taylor Heinicke and John Paddock under center for the Falcons on Saturday. In his NFL debut last week in the preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins, the 24-year-old Penix went 9-for-16 for 104 yards. There's a good chance Atlanta tries to trade Heinicke before the start of the regular season, especially if they're sold on the early development of Penix, so Saturday will give Heinicke a chance to audition for other NFL teams looking for more QB depth. Penix could be the direct backup to Cousins in his first year in the NFL.