Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is questionable with a bruised left knee for Sunday’s home game against the Miami Dolphins.
Penix was a limited practice participant for the third straight day on Friday. He indicated that he expects to play against Miami.
“Yes,” Penix said. “That’s the plan.”
Backup quarterback Kirk Cousins is prepared in case Penix can’t play. Falcons coach Raheem Morris said that Cousins has “taken a lot of reps this week.”
Having Cousins, 37, on the team is a bonus for the Falcons. Still, Morris is expecting Penix to be on the field Sunday.
“(Cousins has) played a lot of football in this league, it gives you a lot of comfort knowing that you have Kirk, a lot of confidence knowing that you have Kirk,” Morris said. “Obviously, it will be all based on Mike’s injury status and Mike’s injury status alone.”
Penix was hurt during Atlanta’s 20-10 road loss last Sunday night against the San Francisco 49ers. He played the entire game and completed 21 of 38 passes for 241 yards and one touchdown.
Penix, 25, has started all six games this season and completed 61% of his passes for 1,409 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions. He has also rushed for one TD.
Cousins has started 159 career games and thrown for 43,008 yards and 288 touchdowns but lost the starting job to Penix late last season. Cousins was intercepted 16 times last season, a career worst and it tied for most in the NFL with Tampa Bay’s Baker Mayfield. He has thrown 126 career picks.
Cousins completed 5 of 7 passes for 29 yards in his lone appearance of this season, a 30-0 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 3.
Atlanta ruled out for four players for the Miami game – offensive lineman Storm Norton (foot), edge rusher Jalon Walker (groin), inside linebacker Divine Deablo (forearm) and cornerback Billy Bowman Jr. (hamstring).
Penix was one of four Falcons listed as questionable. The others are safety Jordan Fuller (knee), defensive lineman Zach Harrison (knee) and running back Tyler Allgeier (hip/knee).
