Penix Jr. Plays for Falcons in Preseason Loss
- Atlanta rookie Michael Penix Jr. completed 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards during his debut.
- The Falcons fell to the Miami Dolphins with a final score of 20-13.
- This game marked the preseason opener for both teams.
– In a closely contested preseason opener, the Atlanta Falcons fell to the Miami Dolphins 20-13 on Friday night. Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr., drafted eighth overall, completed 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards, leading the Falcons through the first five drives of the game. Penix successfully orchestrated two scoring drives, resulting in a 39-yard field goal by Younghoe Koo and a 1-yard touchdown run by Carlos Washington. The Dolphins, who took control in the second quarter, were propelled by kicker Jason Sanders, who successfully converted field goals from 58 and 47 yards. The turning point came when Skylar Thompson connected with Jeff Wilson Jr. for a 6-yard touchdown pass, leveling the score at 10. Following a fumble recovery by linebacker Isaiah Mack, Jaylen Wright scored on a 6-yard run, giving Miami a lead they would not relinquish. In injury news, Falcons safety DeMarcco Hellams was carted off the field with a left leg injury early in the game, while linebacker Bralen Trice also left the field favoring his left leg. Additionally, linebacker Grayson Murphy did not return after sustaining a right leg injury. The status of Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins remains uncertain as he continues to recover from an Achilles injury that sidelined him for the latter part of last season. Looking ahead, the Falcons will face the Baltimore Ravens on August 17, while the Dolphins will host the Washington Commanders on the same day.