Kirk Cousins’ Health, Michael Penix Jr.’s Role

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons now enter their final week of summer vacation before returning to IBM Performance Field on July 24, a trip they will make with confidence under center for the first time in three years.

After 14 seasons of consistency from Matt Ryan, the Falcons struggled for two years at quarterback, seeing three passers – Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke – start and, more often than not, struggle.

Led by new head coach Raheem Morris and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, the Falcons entered this offseason determined to avoid the mistakes of the past.

As a free agent, Atlanta offered four-time Pro Bowl quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​a four-year contract worth up to $180 million. A month and a half later, the Falcons selected Heisman finalist Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick.

Elsewhere in the room, the Falcons opted to retain backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke, who was a potential salary cap casualty in free agency, and signed former Illinois passer John Paddock to an undrafted rookie contract.

With Atlanta set to return to training camp on July 24, FalconsSI is previewing each position group. Here’s what you need to know about the Falcons’ revamped quarterback room heading into the new season.

DEPTH TABLE:

1. Cousins
2. Heinicke
3. Penis
4. Enclosure

The Biggest Questions

1. How long will it take for Cousins ​​to fully recover?

Cousins, 35, was set to participate in OTAs and mandatory minicamp even though he was only seven months out because of the torn Achilles tendon that cost him the final nine games of last season. Cousins ​​did everything the Falcons asked of him — but new head coach Raheem Morris noted he didn’t have anyone by his side.

So a more indicative judgment on Cousins’ health will come when the Falcons put the pads on him in training camp. He should be ready for Week 1, and while he may not participate in the preseason, Cousins ​​should be active in camp.

2. Is Heinicke or Penix the Falcons’ replacement?

Under the rule the NFL introduced in 2023, teams can have three quarterbacks on their roster, designate one as inactive on game days and still play him if the first two get hurt. The Falcons used that rule last year, and while the coaching staff is largely different, they could follow a similar path.

So it’s likely the Falcons have Heinicke and Penix. Morris noted this spring that he thought Heinicke was an elite backup, and that putting Penix in a position to play early wasn’t necessarily Atlanta’s plan.

During Penix’s first month of practice, he worked primarily as the No. 3 quarterback, but in seven-on-seven drills, he typically followed Cousins ​​and took far more snaps than Heinicke.

Between age and injury recovery, the focus is on Cousins’ health and, therefore, Atlanta’s replacement. The team’s final choice between Heinicke and Penix could prove crucial, but is hardly indicative of Penix’s long-term future.

3. Does Paddock have a future in Atlanta?

Few thought much of Paddock when he signed after the draft, but he quickly made a good impression on Falcons quarterbacks coach TJ Yates, who said the 2023 All-Big Ten honorable mention was “a very pleasant surprise.”

After playing in seven games including three starts as a backup for the Fighting Illini, Paddock has completed 59.4 percent of his passes for 1,278 yards and nine touchdowns against just three interceptions.

He’s clearly the No. 4 on Atlanta’s depth chart and highly unlikely to make the 53-man roster – but with a strong preseason, he might be able to earn a spot on the practice squad and extend his stay at the sport’s highest level.

Extracurricular activities

Beyond the on-field additions to the quarterback room, the Falcons have shuffled the staff focused on the position. Yates, a former NFL quarterback, has moved from receivers coach to his more natural position.

He’s surrounded by a group Morris calls “the quarterback contingent,” which includes several former quarterbacks, DJ Williams, KJ Black, Chandler Whitmer and assistant Ken Zampese.

Last season, under former head coach Arthur Smith, the Falcons didn’t have a designated quarterback coach — offensive coordinator Dave Ragone ran the room, while assistant Patrick Kramer also contributed. There’s a much greater emphasis on the personnel side under Morris.

Speaking of leaders, Cousins ​​quickly became a prominent voice in the room. His familiarity with Robinson’s offense from his time in a similar system under Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell gave him an advantage over his fellow players and even some staff members, Yates said.

As for Penix, the Falcons are pleased with his start to the season. He’s shown a lively left arm, though his accuracy has fluctuated in OTAs. He’ll have plenty of eyes on him during training camp and the preseason, which should be his most active period as a rookie.

The Falcons will hold two open practices this fall, one on July 27 and one on August 2. Additional information on time, location and tickets is available HERE.