Falcons Bench Michael Penix Jr., Kirk Cousins Preseason Titans Game

The Atlanta Falcons will not play their starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. or veteran Kirk Cousins in the upcoming preseason game against the Tennessee Titans, continuing the approach taken in the preseason opener. Head coach Raheem Morris has decided to keep Penix, the regular season starter, sidelined to protect him from injury, despite the quarterback's limited experience and the potential benefits of preseason reps. Cousins, a seasoned 14-year NFL veteran, is also expected to sit out, as the Falcons likely seek to avoid risking injury to a player they may want to trade. In their place, backup quarterbacks Easton Stick and Emory Jones will take the majority of snaps, with Stick having performed well in the first preseason game. This conservative quarterback usage strategy reflects Morris's preference to preserve his key players for the regular season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The decision has drawn some criticism, highlighting a tension between gaining valuable game experience and minimizing injury risks in preseason play.