NE Atlanta News

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Game day is upon the Atlanta Falcons for the first time in 2024.

After a pair of joint practices with the Miami Dolphins, the two teams will face off Friday at 7 p.m. ET at Hard Rock Stadium.

Starters are unlikely to play, including Atlanta quarterback Kirk Cousins. This is typical for the preseason and allows the Falcons coaching staff to evaluate other players who need more scrutiny or have shown promise during training camp.

The Falcons currently have a 90-man roster that must be reduced to 53 by Aug. 27. This live evaluation is crucial for making those decisions. It also offers fans their first look at recent draft picks.

Falcons editorial staff members Tori McElhaney, Will McFadden, and Terrin Waack each selected a player to watch on Friday night.

McELHANEY: Michael Penix Jr.

"Seeing Penix in a Falcons uniform? Well, according to Raheem Morris Wednesday, you can expect to see a fair amount of Penix in the pocket Friday night," said McElhaney. "This is the first live action we will see of Penix." Drafted with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Penix is considered the future while Cousins remains the present starter.

McFADDEN: Casey Washington

"This pick carries some additional weight in light of the unfortunate news that Rondale Moore has been placed on Atlanta’s reserve/injured list," noted McFadden. "I don't expect Drake London to play on Friday... That should set the stage for Washington to get a lot of work." Washington was chosen due to his versatility and potential roles envisioned by Atlanta's staff.

WAACK: Bralen Trice

"The rookie outside linebacker has made a splash very early on in his Atlanta tenure," stated Waack. "Coaches and players alike have complimented Trice's pass-rush instincts." Trice led all FBS players in total pressures over his last two college seasons and will be tested against NFL competition for the first time on Friday.

Other players expected to receive attention include defensive lineman James Smith-Williams, running back Carlos Washington Jr., outside linebackers Demone Harris and Bradlee Anae, and cornerback Clark Phillips III.

___