Falcons rookie Michael Penix Jr. to split second-team QB reps

After spending most of their cap space on free-agent quarterback Kirk Cousins, the Atlanta Falcons used their most valuable draft asset (pick No. 8 overall) to select Washington QB Michael Penix Jr.

While the strategy was somewhat unconventional, these two moves helped the Falcons secure both the present and future of the quarterback position. Cousins will start for the team in 2024 and Penix will develop on the bench, but where does Taylor Heinicke fall into the mix?

According to Falcons head coach Raheem Morris, Heinicke and Penix are expected to split second-team quarterback reps throughout training camp.

Heinicke has plenty of starting experience and made four starts for Atlanta in 2023. The veteran QB passed for 890 yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions for a passer rating of 74.7. The Falcons will likely use the preseason to determine which quarterback will serve as the primary backup in 2024.

According to team reporter Tori McElhaney, Cousins said he hopes to play in the preseason but Morris likely won’t allow him to. “I want to play, but I think that ask fell on deaf ears,” said Cousins.

Assuming Cousins doesn’t change Morris’ mind, Penix should get a large portion of the quarterback reps in the preseason. The former Washington standout passed for 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions for the Huskies in 2023.