The Atlanta Falcons thought high enough of Michael Penix Jr. to take him with the No. 8 pick in the draft. But they don’t think highly enough of Penix to have him take snaps with players who are likely to be on the 53-man roster.
Some of the players he’s throwing to might not even make the 90-man roster to start training camp next month.
The Atlanta Falcons invested in the QB position
![REPORT: Atlanta Falcons Sent Rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. To Work With The Scrubs 1 Green Bay Packers, Rashan Gary](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/USATSI_21770025_168400545_lowres-732x1024.jpg)
The Falcons heavily invested in the offensive side of the ball this offseason. They signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins in free agency and then added several wide receivers and tight ends to ostensibly aid their investment in Cousins.
On draft night, they selected Cousins’ eventual replacement. While Penix will get his chance to start in the NFL, it won’t be this season. Penix’s only chance to become the starter is if the Falcons suffer injuries at the quarterback position.
Michael Penix Jr. is working with “fringe” prospects
![REPORT: Atlanta Falcons Sent Rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. To Work With The Scrubs 2 USATSI 23236100](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_23236100-685x1024.jpg)
According to Josh Kendall with The Athletic, Penix isn’t close to even being Cousins’ backup this spring. That transition might have to wait until training camp:
On the only day of minicamp open to the media in Atlanta, Penix worked on an alternate field with the team’s new players and fringe roster prospects. That’s not an indication of the rookie quarterback’s acclimation to the professional game, though…
Though Heinicke took the second-team reps in Wednesday’s practice, Penix is expected to be Cousins’ backup when the season begins. The rookie from the University of Washington said his first weeks of NFL practices haven’t offered any surprises so far.
“Confidence comes from preparation,” Penix said. “Every day I come out here prepared, I know I can be confident in my voice. It’s just all part of the process.”
The Falcons have time for Penix to grow
![REPORT: Atlanta Falcons Sent Rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. To Work With The Scrubs 3 USATSI 23236096](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_23236096-685x1024.jpg)
Most of Penix’s first-round quarterback peers are at least getting QB2 reps by mandatory minicamp. However, the Falcons aren’t rushing the development of their future quarterback. Fortunately, they can be patient with Penix.
They have Cousins for four seasons.
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1 Comment
What do you expect them todo. He is not the starting QB so stop starting controversy.