Falcons Coach Optimistic About Penix’s Return Against Patriots

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris expressed optimism regarding the potential return of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. for the upcoming game against the New England Patriots. Penix missed last week’s match due to a bone bruise in his left knee, but Morris indicated that the player is making progress.

Both Penix and wide receiver Drake London, who also sat out during the loss to the Miami Dolphins due to a hip injury, are listed as day-to-day as the Falcons prepare for their next challenge on March 15, 2024.

Penix’s Recovery Progress

Penix reported feeling good during Wednesday’s practice, stating he is “trending in the right direction” for the game against the Patriots. “Michael is in the building, obviously in meetings,” Morris noted. “We’ll get a chance to see what he can do in practice, if he can do anything. He feels better than he did last week. So, I feel really good about him.” This positive sentiment marks a shift from last week, when both Penix and London were ultimately sidelined.

Despite earlier indications that he might play, Penix decided against participating in last week’s game after feeling unwell. “I didn’t feel like me being out there would have helped the team,” he explained. “I didn’t feel like I could do what I needed to do to help my team win.” In Penix’s absence, backup quarterback Kirk Cousins stepped in, completing 21 of 31 passes for 173 yards. The offense struggled significantly, finishing with just 213 total yards.

London’s Status and Team Outlook

London, who leads the Falcons with 469 receiving yards, is also expected to return to practice. Morris stated, “Drake is in the building, feels good, planning on practicing. We will get a chance to look at him moving around a little bit today.” The return of both players could provide a significant boost for the Falcons as they seek to improve their performance against the Patriots.

As the week progresses, the Falcons’ coaching staff will monitor both Penix and London closely. The team’s ability to field its top players could be crucial in their pursuit of a victory in the upcoming game against New England.

Contributions to this report were made by ESPN’s Marc Raimondi and the Associated Press.