The Atlanta Falcons did not play their starters very much in last year’s preseason, and don’t expect that to change in 2025. Prior to Monday’s practice, head coach Raheem Morris was asked about the team’s preseason plan for quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins going into Friday’s opener against the Detroit Lions.
Morris said neither Penix nor Cousins would suit up in the preseason opener. Last year, the team employed a similar strategy. Cousins, who started the 2024 season opener, did not play at all in the preseason. Penix, despite being a rookie, received just a few drives in the opening exhibition and did not appear again until the regular season.
Don’t expect to see many of the team’s starters on Friday night. The Lions already made their preseason debut in the Pro Football Hall of Fame game last Thursday. This Friday night’s game kicks off at 7 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
The Falcons are back on the field this morning for their sixth open training camp practice. Check out the team’s remaining open practice dates and preseason schedule below.
Falcons open practice dates
- August 5: 9:30 a.m. ET
- August 6: 9:30 a.m. ET
- August 11: 9:30 a.m. ET
- August 12: 9:40 a.m. ET (joint practice)
- August 13: 9:40 a.m. ET (joint practice)
Falcons 2025 preseason schedule
- Detroit Lions: Friday, 8/8, 7 p.m. ET
- Tennessee Titans: Friday, 8/15, 7 p.m. ET
- At Dallas Cowboys: Friday, 8/22, 8 p.m. ET