The Atlanta Falcons held a full-team scrimmage on Wednesday in Flowery Branch, focusing on giving starting players significant practice ahead of the preseason opener against the Detroit Lions. Head coach Raheem Morris confirmed that starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and backup Kirk Cousins will not play in Friday’s game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Morris explained his decision: “This is their day. The guys that you plan on not going (Friday), right? You plan on them not going because of what you’re going to do today. You’re planning on giving them the high-level work, the looks.
“So, let’s just talk about Michael Penix, for example. Michael Penix is going to go out there, and he’s going to get all the high-level looks, all the protection looks, all the things you can get from a progression standpoint, all the things you can get from a game standpoint. Except for getting hit.”
During the scrimmage, Penix took part in seven series and had more snaps than any other quarterback. Cousins participated in four series, while reserves Easton Stick and Emory Jones combined for four series as well. The session lasted two hours and included a halftime break to simulate real-game conditions.
Injury updates were provided by Morris for several players. Offensive tackle Storm Norton is managing a lower-body injury but is expected to recover; inside linebacker JD Bertrand wore a non-contact jersey due to caution over previous injuries; cornerback Keith Taylor suffered a significant hamstring injury during a play involving Ray-Ray McCloud III.
Kaleb McGary commented on his recent contract extension: “It’s nice. I’m super grateful for God giving me another opportunity to continue to be here. I’ve been (here) for so long, so just keep doing what I’ve been doing. It wasn’t something I was super worried about, but I’m certainly not going to complain. It’s very cool.”
The scrimmage featured several notable plays and ongoing position battles among both offense and defense units. Penix completed 18 of 28 passes against both first- and second-team defenses; Cousins went 7-of-9; Stick was 2-of-2; Jones was 2-of-4.
There was continued rotation among defensive starters with various combinations used throughout practice. Notably, rookie edge rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., as well as veteran additions like Leonard Floyd and Jordan Fuller, saw time with first-team units.
A close competition continues at safety alongside Jessie Bates III between Fuller, rookie Xavier Watts, and DeMarcco Hellams returning from injury.
Wide receiver Casey Washington practiced exclusively with the first team as Darnell Mooney remains sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Defensive highlights included Floyd intercepting Cousins’ first pass attempt with the second team and near-interceptions by Divine Deablo after tips from Kaden Elliss.
On offense, Tyler Allgeier scored a rushing touchdown within five yards of the goal line; Stick ran for about 48 yards for another touchdown before throwing an 18-yard scoring pass to tight end Feleipe Franks.
Wide receiver Drake London made two contested catches that were debated as touchdowns by coaches and teammates during post-practice review.
Kicker Younghoe Koo converted six of seven field goals during the scrimmage with successful attempts ranging from 33 to 50 yards; his only miss came from 60 yards out.
The Falcons’ preseason opener against Detroit is scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and will be broadcast live on FOX5. The regular season begins September 7 against Tampa Bay at home.
