Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said on Wednesday that the team’s approach to playing time during the preseason is still being decided, but more clarity has been provided for the rookie class ahead of Friday’s first preseason game against the Detroit Lions.
Earlier in the week, Morris confirmed that quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins will not participate in Friday’s game. The rest of the lineup and playing time decisions will be determined after Wednesday’s team scrimmage, based on how much work starters and key rotational players complete during practice.
Morris explained there is a plan to feature younger players throughout the preseason, with an emphasis on rookies in the opening matchup. This includes edge rusher Jalon Walker and safety Xavier Watts, who have both had limited participation recently due to injuries.
“When you come back from those hamstring (injuries) those back-to-back days can kind of get you, so we are trying to avoid those things,” Morris said about Walker. “But Walker is a guy who will get significant amount of work (Wednesday) in the scrimmage and he will get some within the game setting (Friday), too.”
Watts is reportedly ahead of Walker in his recovery from an undisclosed injury. He is also expected to play on Friday.
The number of series that rookies will play has not been finalized, according to Morris. However, other first-year players such as James Pearce Jr. and Billy Bowman Jr. are also likely to see action against Detroit. While not specifically named by Morris during Wednesday’s remarks, he referenced Pearce earlier in the week during an interview with NFL Network.
“You talk about your rookie class, getting them out there — even with Mike (Penix) out there last year, getting him out there even a little bit just to get used to what it feels like,” Morris said alluding to Penix’s slight work in the 2024 preseason. “… We will get those guys out there for a couple series to get them a feel for it.”
The Falcons are scheduled to host the Lions at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday at 7 p.m. ET.
