Falcons QB Day to Day Should Play Sunday
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is expected to start Sunday against the Miami Dolphins despite suffering a bone bruise in his lower leg during the team’s loss to San Francisco.
The second-year quarterback sustained the injury late in Sunday night’s 20-10 defeat to the 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Penix played through the injury and finished the game before the issue became apparent. Head coach Raheem Morris told reporters Monday that Penix is dealing with a bone bruise in his foot and ankle area. Morris labeled him day-to-day but added there are “definitely some limitations” with the injury.
What Are The Odds?
The Dolphins are struggling this season and would love to have Penix for this game at home in week 8. Currently, the Falcons are -7.5 point favorites. The total is 44.5, suggesting a somewhat high-scoring matchup despite the Dolphins’ 1-7 record. Some would argue this is Head Coach Mike McDaniel’s last chance and redemption.
The quarterback’s ability to practice this week will determine his availability for Sunday’s 1:00 p.m. kickoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that Penix should be “good to go” for the Week 8 matchup. The Falcons medical staff will monitor Penix throughout the week leading up to the game.
Penix completed 21 of 38 passes for 241 yards and one touchdown in the loss to San Francisco. He also lost a fumble when 49ers defensive end Bryce Huff stripped him from the blind side in the fourth quarter. The performance dropped Atlanta to 3-3 on the season and third place in the NFC South standings.
The Falcons will face a favorable opponent Sunday when they host the struggling Dolphins. Miami enters the game with a 1-6 record after suffering a 31-6 defeat to Cleveland on Sunday. The Browns dominated the Dolphins on both sides of the ball in rainy conditions at Huntington Bank Field. In the loss, Miami managed just two field goals and turned the ball over four times.
If Penix cannot play Sunday, veteran Kirk Cousins would step in as the starting quarterback. Cousins signed with Atlanta in the offseason before the team drafted Penix eighth overall in 2024. Penix took over the starting job late last season and has held the position heading into his second year.
The matchup against Miami’s defense could benefit the Falcons’ ground game even if Penix is limited. Running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier figure to see increased workloads if the team leans more heavily on the run. Robinson caught six passes for 52 yards and one touchdown against the 49ers while rushing for 40 yards on 14 carries. Allgeier added 16 yards on four attempts.
Miami’s defensive struggles this season have come primarily against the run. The Dolphins rank last in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game. That weakness could allow Atlanta to control the clock and limit Penix’s exposure if he is not at full strength.
The Falcons lost their second straight game Sunday night after winning back-to-back games against Washington and Buffalo. Atlanta defeated the Bills 24-14 on Monday Night Football before the setback in San Francisco. The team now looks to bounce back at home against an opponent that has won just once this season.
