Could Falcons pull a 2012 Seahawks with Michael Penix Jr.?

With their unorthodox preseason usage of rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr, the Falcons could be following a similar playbook to the 2012 Seahawks.

During an appearance on Tuesday's "The Rich Eisen Show," Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reiterated points he made earlier in the day in a column for his website about what Atlanta head coach Raheem Morris' decision to sit Penix Jr. for the final two games of the preseason means for the team.

Florio suggested the Falcons may have decided to preserve Penix Jr. because No. 1 quarterback Kirk Cousins, who is coming off a season-ending Achilles injury, might not be ready for Week 1.

"Maybe they've decided to just ride with the Penix with the caveat that Kirk isn't ready," said Florio.

That would be an unexpected development, perhaps even more so than in 2012 when Seahawks rookie third-round pick Russell Wilson beat out their highly prized free agent-quarterback, Matt Flynn, for the starting quarterback job.

Cousins signed for considerably more money than Flynn, who agreed to a three-year, $26 million contract . But like Cousins, Flynn signed expecting to be named the team's starter.

In Florio's hypothetical situation, Penix would only start over Cousins due to injury. But if Penix is as ready as the Falcons believe he is, then it's possible he could take the starting job and never look back.

In Seattle's case, former head coach Pete Caroll's decision worked well. In Wilson's second season, he led the Seahawks to their first (and only) Super Bowl championship.

Cousins, who signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons during free agency, has participated in training camp.

And by all accounts, while he hasn't played in the preseason, Cousins is on track to start in Week 1 of the regular season against the Steelers.

It's wild to consider that Penix could be the Week 1 starter over Cousins, but considering Atlanta's perplexing actions, it's fair to apply some cynicism.