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Raheem Morris reveals Falcons QB plan for Preseason Week 1

Originally posted on SportsTalkATL | By Chase Irle | Last updated Aug 4, 2025 11:26 AM ET

Even dating back to the Arthur Smith days, the Atlanta Falcons have been very cautious about playing their starters during the preseason. Which is something that has rightfully been criticized with how the team has shown up and performed Week 1.

Last season, the Falcons, particularly offensively, looked like a team that could have used a lot more reps during the preseason as they laid an egg against the Steelers at home. But not only did Raheem Morris choose not to play Kirk Cousins in the preseason, he also barely gave the rookie Michael Penix any playing time as well.

It was head-scratching to say the least, but it doesn’t appear that Morris is likely to change his ways this time around. He’s already announced that both Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix will not play this Friday against the Lions.

Raheem Morris said neither Michael Penix Jr. or Kirk Cousins will play this Friday in the first preseason game vs. Detroit.

— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) August 4, 2025

Given there are now only three preseason games leading up to Week 1 and starters rarely play in the final preseason game, it’s looking like we might see Michael Penix Jr. for a drive or two before he straps it up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a pivotal NFC South matchup to begin the season.

Every coach is different, but this approach to the preseason is something I’ll never understand. No matter how hard you try to replicate it, you cannot mimic bullets flying on the practice field. It’s just not the same, and it takes some time to get used to, even for the all-time greats.

Michael Penix Jr. has three starts under his belt for his career. If guys like Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes can risk injury in the preseason, what the hell is the excuse for Penix?

The simple answer is there is none. Penix should be out there getting all the experience he possibly can before the games start to count, and if the Falcons come out rusty in a loss to the Bucs, the finger should be pointed squarely at the head coach for not learning his lesson after last season.

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

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