Falcons' Raheem Morris defends decision to sit Michael Penix in preseason game: 'Saw enough last week'

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The Atlanta Falcons dropped to 0-2 in the preseason after the team lost 13-12 to the Baltimore Ravens Saturday. While preseason records are insignificant, a key Falcons coaching decision sparked some questions.

The Falcons' prized free-agent acquisition, Kirk Cousins, is not expected to take the field for any of the three exhibition games, which some believed opened the door for rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. to see significant playing time.

But Penix, the No. 8 selection in this year's NFL Draft, never took a snap Saturday in Baltimore.

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Michael Penix Jr. of the Atlanta Falcons warms up prior to a preseason game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium Aug. 9, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla.  (Rich Storry/Getty Images)

Taylor Heinicke started the game against the Ravens before John Paddock relieved him. After the game, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris was asked about his decision to sit the rookie. 

"It was all about that. Last week we wanted to get him out there and get a feel for what he was in a live game, which we kind of already knew," Morris said via the Falcons' official website. 

Morris was referring to Penix's performance against the Miami Dolphins in Week 1 of the preseason. He expressed the coaching staff's belief it "saw enough last week" from the rookie signal-caller and wanted to "mitigate" injury risks.

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris after a preseason game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium Aug. 9, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla.  (Rich Storry/Getty Images)

"We wanted to see him be able to answer questions, talk about it on the