MichaelPenix Jr.

News: 1 day agoPenix and Kirk Cousins won't play in Friday's preseason game against Detroit, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Spin: Falcons coach Raheem Morris made the announcement Monday morning, saying he wants to focus on the lower portion of the depth chart in the first preseason games. Easton Stick and Emory Jones will be Atlanta's quarterbacks Friday night, while Penix and the starters might make an appearance later this preseason.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Penix is entering his second NFL season and his first as Atlanta's starter. The 2024 No. 8 pick played only three full games as a rookie, with mixed results. He threw for 200-plus yards and one INT in all three, totaling three passing TDs during the stretch. Though he did produce one rushing TD, he was (as expected) a nonfactor with his legs, totaling 11 yards on seven carries. Penix will benefit from a very good supporting cast led by Drake London and Bijan Robinson, but he'll be working in an offense that was third-run-heaviest in the league last season and he's unlikely to add much (if any) value with his legs. Penix should be viewed as no more than a late-round lottery ticket.