Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr will not play in Friday night’s preseason finale vs the Miami Dolphins, per HC Kevin Stefans Via @AdamSchefter on X

What happened: Michael Penix Jr. will not play in the Falcons' preseason finale Friday night against the Miami Dolphins, head coach Kevin Stefanski said. Penix was cleared for 11-on-11 work Monday after weeks of individual and 7-on-7 reps.

Why it matters: Stefanski said Penix only began full-team 11-on-11 drills two days before the decision and called it too early to put him in a game. Sitting him keeps the finale from becoming a factor in his ramp-up toward Atlanta's regular-season opener.

What to watch: Penix's practice workload will be the marker to watch as the Falcons finalize their Week 1 plans.

Sources