Michael Penix Jr. Still a Doubt as Stefanski Details Falcons' Plans vs. Dolphins

The Atlanta Falcons are entering one of the most important weeks of the preseason, and head coach Kevin Stefanski is making sure his team approaches it that way.

Stefanski announced Monday that the Falcons’ starters will play in Friday’s preseason game against the Miami Dolphins, giving Atlanta’s top players valuable game reps as the team continues preparing for the regular season.

But Friday’s game will be about much more than simply getting the starters on the field.

The Falcons have several important position battles still taking shape, and the final preseason game could provide the coaching staff with valuable information as roster decisions get closer.

Quarterback remains the biggest storyline.

For now, Tua Tagovailoa will likely get the start at quarterback as the Falcons determine whether Michael Penix Jr. will be ready to play. Penix was recently cleared to return to full 11-on-11 work, putting him back into the competition with Tagovailoa for the starting job.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski was non-committal at his press conference on Monday morning on whether or not Penix would see action against the Dolphins, but his return to full practice gives Atlanta another important evaluation opportunity this week.

Tagovailoa, meanwhile, can strengthen his case with another preseason performance.

The quarterback battle isn't the only competition worth watching.

Atlanta is also evaluating its running back room behind Bijan Robinson. With Trey Sermon placed on injured reserve, younger backs such as Nathan Carter and Cash Jones have increased opportunities to make the roster.

Tyler Goodson also made a strong impression with his performance against the Colts, giving the Falcons another player to consider in the crowded backfield.

There are also battles across the defense and special teams, with young players competing for roster spots and playing time. The Falcons will have to determine which players have done enough throughout training camp and the preseason to earn a spot on the initial 53-man roster due on Sunday afternoon.

That makes this week particularly important.

Stefanski said the Falcons will essentially treat the upcoming week as if they were preparing for a regular-season game.

"We'll treat this week like a regular-season schedule. We'll be into our regular-season work. Today (Monday) will be a Wednesday."

That mindset should give the Falcons a true dress rehearsal before the regular season begins.

The starters will get an opportunity to play together, while coaches will get another extended look at players fighting for roster spots.

Friday's game could ultimately be one of the final pieces of evidence the Falcons use when making some of their most difficult roster decisions.

For the players competing for jobs, that makes every snap important.

For the starters, it's an opportunity to build momentum heading into the regular season.

And for the coaching staff, it's one final chance to evaluate the roster before the decisions become much more permanent.

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