Rookie Michael Penix Jr. to sit again in Falcons' final preseason game against the Jaguars

Rookie quarterback Michael Pennix Jr. has played in one preseason game for the Atlanta Falcons.

That's enough for coach Raheem Morris.

Penix, the No. 8 pick in the NFL draft and the Falcons' quarterback of the future, did not play in last weekend's game at Baltimore. He will sit again in the preseason finale against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday night.

The decision to give Penix limited playing time has raised plenty of eyebrows, especially since starter Kirk Cousins isn't playing at all in the preseason as he returns from an Achilles tendon injury.

But Morris said he's seen enough of Penix in practice, including two joint workouts with the Miami Dolphins, to evaluate his progress. The coach doesn't want to risk an injury in an exhibition contest.

"You've seen the amount of reps that Michael's been able to get without really taking away from our starter," Morris told reporters on Monday. "He's got a huge amount of reps versus our starting defense. And I feel really good about where he's going and what he's going to develop."

The Falcons signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract in free agency, a deal that includes $100 million in guaranteed money. Then, in a stunning move, they used their first pick to draft Penix, saying he was too good to pass up.

Cousins, who turned 36 on Monday, is the starter for now. But it's clear the Falcons are grooming a path for Penix to eventually take over the No. 1 job.

While it would seem logical to give Penix an extended look during the preseason, Morris said there's no need. He said the team would have another chance to evaluate the rookie when the team holds an intrasquad scrimmage on Wednesday.

"I could play him a little bit more if I needed something else," Morris