The Atlanta Falcons opened the 2024 season with a complicated quarterback plan and plenty of pressure. Kirk Cousins was supposed to steady the offense while Michael Penix Jr. learned behind him. Instead, Cousins’ return from an Achilles injury did not go as planned, and the team turned to the rookie down the stretch. Now the question is simple: when will Penix take the field again, and what will that look like with the preseason underway?
Will Michael Penix Jr. Suit Up Against the Tennessee Titans?
Penix, a former first-round pick, was elevated to the starting lineup before the end of his rookie year, and he enters Year 2 as the Falcons’ QB1. His first season included three starts, a 1-2 record, and a mix of three touchdowns with three interceptions. That sample, while uneven, set the stage for Atlanta to move forward with him as the starter.
However, Penix will not open the preseason against the Detroit Lions, the NFC’s top seed last year. Head coach Raheem Morris said many starters, including Penix, would sit the Week 1 preseason game to focus on practice and preparation. This kept the plan centered on development without unnecessary preseason exposure.
Heading into Week 2 of the preseason against the Tennessee Titans, the uncertainty lingered, but the direction became clearer. A tweet circulating recently stated, “I wouldn’t rule them out both completely, Mike (Penix) for sure and Kirk (Cousins) we’ll talk about.” Reports indicated Penix would be held out again, while Cousins could see limited action as Atlanta evaluated where things stand.
“I wouldn’t rule them out both completely, Mike (Penix) for sure and Kirk (Cousins) we’ll talk about,”
No Michael Penix Jr. in the preseason game Friday again, possibly Kirk Cousins. Raheem Morris and the #Falcons are going to see how it goes.— Maria Martin (@Ria_Martin) August 12, 2025
Penix did not play in the preseason opener against Detroit and is expected to miss the upcoming game against Tennessee as well. This approach reflects the franchise’s focus on long-term development, with the goal of keeping their starter healthy while he continues to get work in practice.
What Does Michael Penix Jr.’s Starting Role Mean for the Falcons?
Penix is the confirmed starter when Atlanta kicks off the regular season on Sept. 7 at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Sitting out preseason snaps does not change that plan, and the coaching staff has made clear he is the present and future at the position.
In his rookie campaign, Penix appeared in five games, started three, and completed 61 of 105 passes for 775 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. He posted a passer rating of 78.9 and added seven rushes for 11 yards.
Mike to Drake 🔥@themikepenix x @DrakeLondon_ pic.twitter.com/L9m5Dvl5nd
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) May 12, 2025
Head coach Raheem Morris has praised Penix’s growth heading into Year 2, pointing to better command of the offense and improved chemistry with his receivers. That progress fits with Atlanta’s decision to keep him out of preseason action while locking in on regular-season preparation.
Meanwhile, Cousins remains on the roster, and the goals in Atlanta are clear. Penix will have the chance to take control once the regular season begins, and with the preseason winding down, the real evaluation starts when the games count.
