The Atlanta Falcons are entering this season with high expectations after a lengthy rebuild. The team’s young core is finally ready to take the next step — and it all starts with quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who’s approaching the season with a new mindset.
“I don’t really focus on it anymore,” Penix said this week, referring to his injury-filled past. “I talked about it before — my past. 2021 was a tough season for me because I was thinking about injuries. I wasn’t able to play at a high level because that’s where my mind was. I wasn’t able to play at the level that I wanted to,” Penix told the media. “Now it’s like, I’ve been injured four times. I just pray, trusting my faith and trust that God’s going to protect me. I go out there and have fun because at any moment it could be my last play. That’s for anybody. This is the game that we play. We know it comes with a lot, but we all love it. That’s why we do it each and every day, and that’s what I’m going to continue to do each and every day.”
The Falcons faced the Titans in their second preseason game — one that carried extra intrigue following scuffles between the teams during joint practices. But beyond the on-field action, Atlanta may have revealed who’s clinching the final wide receiver roster spot.
“No Casey Washington out there. Certainly he’s locked up a roster spot. But maybe a starting spot, as well, with Mooney out,” Falcons beat reporter Marc Raimondi wrote.
Mooney’s status remains uncertain, with no official return date in sight. Meanwhile, Washington has impressed throughout training camp, consistently proving that he belongs. His absence from the preseason game likely wasn’t due to performance — but rather to avoid risking injury, a strong signal that his roster spot is secure.
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