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Falcons defense will take center stage in Week 1 of the preseason

Originally posted on SportsTalkATL | By Chase Irle | Last updated Aug 5, 2025 3:37 PM ET

Raheem Morris said yesterday that the Falcons won’t play Michael Penix Jr. or Kirk Cousins in the first week of the preseason against the Lions on Friday night. However, fans should get their first glimpse at the talk of training camp thus far — James Pearce Jr.

Falcons HC Raheem Morris told us QBs Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins won’t play in preseason opener vs. Lions Friday. But we will see a lot of young rookies like James Pearce Jr.

Catch full interview on @nflnetwork Inside Training Camp this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/17T0gh6R6z

— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) August 4, 2025

With Penix and Cousins on the sidelines, the Falcons defense will take center stage against the Lions, headlined by their 2025 NFL Draft class.

It’s highly unlikely Atlanta even considers playing Jalon Walker, who has been dealing with a hamstring injury, but three potential impact players — James Pearce Jr., Billy Bowman, and Xavier Watts — could see action. All of them have the opportunity to carve out a role for themselves as rookies, and if they do, it will go a long way to the Falcons breaking a postseason drought that is creeping up on a decade.

This article first appeared on SportsTalkATL and was syndicated with permission.

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