Michael Penix Jr. Day-to-Day with Knee Injury, Could Start for Falcons vs. Patriots

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris remains confident about the availability of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots.

"Penix is in the building. He'll do a walkthrough today," Morris told reporters Wednesday. "We'll get a feel of what he'll be able to do in practice. Obviously, he's feeling better. I feel really good about him."

Penix missed Atlanta's 34-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins because of a bone bruise. He remains day-to-day.

Cousins struggled in his return to the first unit. He went 21-of-31 for 173 yards. The Falcons offense as a whole gained just 213 yards.

▶️ Full Dolphins-Falcons Recap

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A hip injury also sidelined Atlanta's top receiver, Drake London, against Miami, and that undoubtedly played a role in Cousins' lackluster numbers. Like Penix, London is day-to-day and could see the field in Week 9.

In his first full season as the starter, Penix is showing some positive signs in his development. He has thrown for 1,409 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions.

The Falcons aren't having any second thoughts about elevating the 2024 first-round pick above Cousins midway through last year.

As a backup, Cousins is better than what a lot of teams have behind their starters. Still, the Falcons need Penix under center if they're going to have their best shot at returning to .500 on Sunday.