Michael Penix Jr. Reportedly Opts out of 2024 Senior Bowl; Was Slated to Start

After participating in all three days of practice at the Senior Bowl, Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is reportedly bowing out of playing in the actual game.

Per Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, Penix has decided not to play in the Senior Bowl after being slated to start for the National team.

Florio noted one reason for Penix's decision might stem from the National team being "gutted" by players opting out, with the possibility they might only have two or three wide receivers.

Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy announced earlier in the day that Florida State defensive tackle Braden Fiske is switching from the American team to the National side due to roster attrition.

Penix and Oregon quarterback Bo Nix are the highest-profile players on the Senior Bowl team. It wasn't even clear if Penix would participate in the event in any capacity after injuring his ankle in the College Football Playoff Championship Game against Michigan.

Despite the hype around Penix participating in practices at the Senior Bowl, his actual performance was a mixed bag. The Ringer's Danny Heifetz described him as "underwhelming."

On the positive side, Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus called Penix the "most impressive quarterback" this week.

"His arm talent was evident from the jump due to the NFL-caliber velocity on his throws," Sikkema wrote, "and though his wasn't always accurate, most of his throws were well-placed, and some, like the one above, were absolute beauties."

As long as Penix was able to workout in front of NFL scouts and executives during the week of practices, he doesn't really need to participate in the game. The 2023 Heisman runner-up has 49 games of college tape that can be evaluated. He will almost certainly take part in the NFL scouting combine and Washington's pro day in the lead up to the draft.

If the National team roster isn't going to look like the group Penix was playing with during practice, there's almost nothing for him to gain by participating in the game.