Michael Penix Jr. not suiting up for the Falcons’ preseason game against the Jaguars? Nope, he’s not injured—he’s just sitting this one out. The rookie QB, picked 8th overall in this year’s draft, has been benched for Atlanta’s final preseason game, and fans are splitting up. So, what gives?

Falcons HC Raheem Morris made it clear: they’ve seen what they needed from Penix already. The rookie had his first preseason run against Miami, going 9-of-16 for 104 yards. No TDs, no interceptions. Solid, but Morris wants to play it smart. “You’ve seen the amount of reps that Michael’s been able to get [in practice] without really taking away from our starters and Kirk,” Morris said. “He’ll be able to have 100% of the reps versus our defense. And he’s getting I don’t know how many reps versus our starting defense now.”

So, why bench a perfectly healthy rookie? Well, it’s all about managing risk. “Now we had the chance to mitigate him, and in practice, you know, we gave him a bunch of live stuff… other than get hit,” HC Morris ain’t risking Penix or their veteran QB Kirk Cousins (signed for $180M this offseason). Cousins is the Falcons’ starter for 2024, but at 36 and just under 10 months post-Achilles tear, they’re playing it cautious. 

Interestingly, Atlanta isn’t the only team pulling off this preseason strategy. The Jets are doing something pretty similar with Aaron Rodgers (coming off his own Achilles recovery) and backup Tyrod Taylor. But while Taylor’s a known entity, Penix is a fresh face in the league with a lot more to prove.

So, when will we see Michael Penix Jr. back on-field? Not in the preseason, that’s for sure. But don’t count him out for the regular season. With Cousins being on the older side and coming off an injury, Penix could be called up quicker than you think. The Falcons are playing the long game with Penix, focusing on practice reps and minimizing injury risk—especially since he’s already known as the best deep ball thrower in his class.

What makes Penix Jr. the best deep ball thrower of his class?

CBS Sports draft analyst Danny Kanell didn’t hold back when he called the Hoosiers’ standout the best deep ball thrower in his class. But what exactly did the draft analyst see in the 24-year-old to make such a bold claim?

Kanell points to Penix Jr’s elite arm talent, highlighting his ability to place the ball with precision even 30 to 40 yards downfield. The Maxwell award-winner ain’t just about arm strength, though. He’s got a knack for making tight-window throws and connecting with WRs in stride, which racks up those precious yards after the catch (YAC). “Michael Penix is the best deep ball thrower of this class, and it’s not even close,” the CBS’ analyst asserted. “He can place it into tight windows 30-40 yards down the field and has great ball placement when hitting guys in stride across the middle.”

Kanell also praised a jaw-dropping 48-yard throw Penix Jr. made during his 2023 college season—a perfectly timed pass that dropped just before the sideline. After three seasons with the Hoosiers, the 2022 AP Comeback Player of the Year moved to Washington, leading the Huskies to a 25-3 record and a spot in the CFP Championship game last season. 

With those stats and his proven track record, it’s no wonder Michael Penix Jr. is making waves.

With all things said and done, catch the exclusive scoop with Chris Gronkowski on the Dual Threat Show with BG12! You won’t want to miss this.