Rookie quarterback Michael Pennis Jr. has played in one preseason game for the Atlanta Falcons.
That was enough for coach Raheem Morris.
The eighth overall pick in the NFL Draft and future quarterback for the Falcons did not play in last weekend’s game in Baltimore. He is scheduled to play again in Friday night’s preseason finale against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The decision to give Phoenix limited playing time surprised many, especially since starter Kirk Cousins did not play at all in the preseason as he returned from an Achilles injury.
But Morris said he has seen enough of Phoenix’s practice, including two joint workouts with the Miami Dolphins, to be able to assess his progress. The coach doesn’t want to risk injury in an exhibition game.
“You saw how many reps Michael was able to get without really taking away from our starters,” Morris told reporters Monday. “He got a ton of reps against our starting defense. And I feel really good about where he’s going and what he’s going to develop.”
The Falcons signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million free-agent contract that includes $100 million in guaranteed money. Then, in a surprising move, they used the first pick to draft Penix, saying he was too good to pass up.
Cousins, who turned 36 on Monday, is the starter for now, but it’s clear the Falcons are paving the way for Phoenix to eventually get the No. 1 pick.
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While it might seem logical to take a closer look at Phoenix during the preseason, Morris said that’s not necessary. He said the team will have another opportunity to evaluate the rookie when it holds an intrasquad scrimmage on Wednesday.
“If we need something different, I think we might be able to use him a little bit more,” Morris said. “But I don’t think so. And I don’t think anyone I talk to in my circle of trust thinks so. Otherwise, we’d use him a little bit more.”
In his only preseason appearance, Phoenix completed 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards and no touchdowns or interceptions against the Dolphins.
Third-team quarterback Taylor Heinicke and undrafted rookie John Paddock played every snap against the Ravens, and that will likely happen again Friday.
Morris said it was important for Atlanta to enter the regular season as healthy as possible, especially after two players suffered season-ending injuries during training camp.
“Michael’s role is really clear about what we want to see,” the coach said. “He’s done a great job of getting better throughout this process.”
Associated Press reports.
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