Neither Michael Penix Jr. nor Kirk Cousins will participate in the Atlanta Falcons’ first preseason game against the Detroit Lions on Friday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, according to head coach Raheem Morris.
Morris stated that while the coaching staff is still finalizing Friday’s lineup, sitting both quarterbacks is “probably the most definitive” decision made so far. Easton Stick and Emory Jones are set to take snaps for the Falcons during the game.
The status of other starters, as well as key backups and rookies, remains uncertain and will depend on how Wednesday’s scheduled team scrimmage goes. Morris noted that this preseason’s approach will differ from last year because of the team’s younger roster, especially with new additions on defense.
“We will get a good feel after the scrimmage on who needs what, and what you can give somebody,” Morris said. “Obviously, we have a young football team so there is going to be a lot more people playing than we had last year. You have some young guys who need to go out there and show some competitive things. We have some positions that are up for battles. That will happen within our own scrimmage and within the preseason games.”
The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET on Friday.
