Starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is listed as questionable for the Atlanta Falcons’ upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins, set for 1 p.m. ET Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Penix has been managing a knee injury and was limited in practice throughout the week.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Penix addressed his condition and expectations for Sunday’s game. “Yes,” Penix said when asked if he expects to play Sunday, “that’s the plan.”
Head coach Raheem Morris also commented on Penix’s situation Wednesday, expressing optimism but emphasizing that further evaluations are needed before making a final decision. “He’s the ultimate tough guy,” Morris said of Penix. “Obviously, it’s going to be based on movement. It’s going to be based on what he can do, all the stuff that he has. The organization will not put him in harm’s way. We won’t do that. We’ll get a better feel for it when we practice him live and we do some of those things on Thursday, obviously, and Friday and Saturday.”
If Penix is unable to play, backup Kirk Cousins is expected to lead the offense against Miami. Cousins started all but the last three games during the 2024 season and has taken significant practice reps this week.
Morris expressed confidence in Cousins’ readiness: “(Cousins has) played a lot of football in this league, it gives you a lot of comfort knowing that you have Kirk, a lot of confidence knowing that you have Kirk,” Morris said. “Obviously, it will be all based on Mike’s injury status and Mike’s injury status alone.”
The team plans to release its list of inactive players 90 minutes prior to kickoff on Sunday.
The Falcons’ latest injury report lists wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge (pectoral), safety Jordan Fuller (knee), and offensive lineman Storm Norton (foot) as full participants in Friday’s practice session. Several players were limited in participation due to various injuries including Drake London (hip), Darnell Mooney (hamstring), Michael Penix Jr., Tyler Allgeier (hip/knee), Mike Ford Jr. (calf), Jake Matthews (ankle), Feleipe Franks (calf), Ta’Quon Graham (calf), and Zach Harrison (knee). Divine Deablo (forearm), Jalon Walker (groin), and Billy Bowman Jr. (hamstring) did not participate.
Game designations released Friday indicate that along with Penix, Tyler Allgeier, Jordan Fuller, and Zach Harrison are listed as questionable for Sunday’s matchup; Divine Deablo, Jalon Walker, Billy Bowman Jr., and Storm Norton are ruled out.
