Falcons HC hints at how much rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. will play in preseason opener

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris hinted that rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. should receive plenty of snaps in the team's preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins on Friday.

"We haven't really talked about playing time, but you'll get a good look at Michael," Morris said Wednesday, per Terrin Waack of the team's website. "You won't see nearly as much of [starting QB Kirk Cousins], if any."

Cousins, 35, suffered an Achilles tendon tear last season. The Falcons probably don't want to put the veteran at risk and may want to see whether No. 8 overall pick Penix looks like the QB of the future.   

Per Fox Sports' Greg Auman, Falcons owner Arthur Blank said Cousins — who signed a four-year, $180M deal this offseason — is QB1. However, Blank also acknowledged he hopes Penix eventually takes the reins.

"We hope and pray [Cousins] has got three to four great years in front of him. Maybe beyond that, who knows?" Blank said via Auman. "But we also know that … there will be a point that we'll need a transition. We want to make sure we do that smoothly."

The Falcons offense features dynamic skill players, including running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver Drake London. Four-time Pro Bowler Cousins should provide improved QB play, helping the playmakers thrive. In eight games with the Minnesota Vikings last season, he completed 69.5% of his passes for 2,331 yards, 18 TDs, five interceptions and a stellar 63.2 QBR. 

Still, not playing in the preseason may prevent Cousins from developing chemistry with his weapons, leading to a slow start.

Penix's performance in the preseason is worth monitoring. If he plays well and Cousins sputters at the start of the regular season, the Falcons' QB situation should become even more intriguing.