Quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins are not expected to play in the Atlanta Falcons’ final preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys, head coach Raheem Morris said Monday. This decision likely means that other offensive starters and veteran defensive players will also be held out of Friday’s game.
Morris described the upcoming contest as a crucial opportunity for players fighting for a spot on the team’s 53-man roster or practice squad. “This is the make-the-roster game,” Morris said. “This is where guys solidify themselves on the 53-man roster, or that practice squad … trying to finalize who you keep.”
Several injuries could impact final roster decisions. EDGE Jalon Walker, previously limited by a hamstring injury, tweaked his groin during joint practices with Tennessee last week and will be held out of practice as a precaution. “Now, it’s really about getting him ready for the season,” Morris said. “I’m not really worried about it, but really you just don’t want it to linger.”
Quarterback Emory Jones was waived after being placed in concussion protocol following an injury sustained in last Friday’s preseason game. Ben DiNucci has been signed to fill quarterback reps in his absence.
Backup offensive tackle Storm Norton remains sidelined with a lower body injury and will not return this week. “He is still dealing with it,” Morris stated. “We will see where that goes to see what will happen with Storm.”
Cornerback Clark Phillips III continues to recover from a rib injury and is unlikely to participate fully this week or play in the final preseason game. Running back Carlos Washington Jr., dealing with a hamstring issue, also remains limited.
Wide receiver Darnell Mooney has missed time since suffering a shoulder injury early in training camp but is reportedly making progress without setbacks. The timeline for his return by Week 1 remains uncertain.
Wide receiver Jamal Agnew is working through an oblique injury after showing promise as a potential return specialist earlier in camp. No timeline was provided for his return.
Cornerbacks Cobee Bryant and Keith Taylor are both returning from hamstring injuries and could get some playing time this week as they continue their recovery processes.
EDGE Khalid Kareem shares a similar groin issue with Walker but remains hopeful for some preseason action as he competes for a roster spot. “We would like to get him caught up to speed to get him out there to get him some opportunity to play,” Morris said. “Hopefully he can do that, and if he can’t, we will move accordingly and like we need to.”
Cornerback C.J. Henderson, recently signed by Atlanta, did not play last week but is expected to participate fully in practice before potentially seeing significant snaps against Dallas on Friday as coaches evaluate his fit within the team structure.
“He has a big opportunity to go out there and play some snaps and get a chance to do some things for us,” Morris said. “I am looking forward to seeing him — I’ve always had a lot of affection for C.J., particularly, coming out that same (draft) year as A.J. (Terrell) and how we ranked those guys and how we looked at them. I am truly looking forward to getting hands on him, and we’ll get that done this week.”
