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One of the biggest criticisms of former Falcons head coach Raheem Morris over the last two seasons in Atlanta was his unwillingness to play starters during the NFL preseason.
In 2024, starting quarterback Kirk Cousins didn't get a single preseason rep despite coming off an Achilles injury. The team then held Michael Penix Jr. out ahead of his first season as QB1 in 2025.
It's safe to say that Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski has a different philosophy and approach to the preseason. On Friday, Stefanski said he felt it was important for guys to feel ready for the regular season so you can expect to see the first-team offense and defense out there in the exhibition season.
According to Falcons beat reporter Tori McElhaney, Stefanski plans to play starters in the first and third preseason games.
"He said right now the plan is to get starters playing in the first and third games," explained McElhaney. "How many live reps will vary. Will hold guys back in the second game because starters are going to get the most run in the joint practices with the Colts."
This is a refreshing philosophy for Falcons fans, who now have a reason to pay attention to the preseason. Atlanta has much to settle before that first preseason game arrives. The team still has no clarity at the quarterback position.
Both Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. have yet to participate in 11-on-11 drills, leaving undrafted free agent Jack Strand as the QB1. Cooper Rush will likely be in the mix as well. Hopefully, Penix and Tagovailoa will be healthy enough to play by the team's preseason opener against the Denver Broncos.
The Falcons will begin the 2026 NFL preseason at home against the Denver Broncos on August 14. Denver lost in the AFC Championship game to the New England Patriots. The Broncos will be looking to get quarterback Bo Nix back in time for the regular season.
In Week 2 of the preseason, the Falcons will head to Indianapolis to take on the Colts. Last season, Atlanta lost to Indianapolis in Berlin. Similar to the situation with Bo Nix in Denver, the Colts will be looking their quarterback, Daniel Jones, to get back on the field before the start of the season following a season-ending knee injury in 2025.
Expect the joint practice to come in the week leading up to the game on Saturday, August 22.
Finally, in the third week of the preseason, the Falcons will head down to Miami for a matchup against the Dolphins. Atlanta signed former Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa to a one-year deal in free agency. Tagovailoa will return to Miami for the first time since being released.
The Falcons will be back in action for their second open practice on Saturday.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons head coach lays out plan for playing starters in preseason
Continue reading...
In 2024, starting quarterback Kirk Cousins didn't get a single preseason rep despite coming off an Achilles injury. The team then held Michael Penix Jr. out ahead of his first season as QB1 in 2025.
It's safe to say that Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski has a different philosophy and approach to the preseason. On Friday, Stefanski said he felt it was important for guys to feel ready for the regular season so you can expect to see the first-team offense and defense out there in the exhibition season.
According to Falcons beat reporter Tori McElhaney, Stefanski plans to play starters in the first and third preseason games.
"He said right now the plan is to get starters playing in the first and third games," explained McElhaney. "How many live reps will vary. Will hold guys back in the second game because starters are going to get the most run in the joint practices with the Colts."
Kevin Stefanski asked about his philosophy on playing starters in the preseason
Said in general, he feels that in order for guys to be ready to play football they actually have to play football.
He said right now the plan is to get starters playing in the first and third…
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) July 31, 2026
This is a refreshing philosophy for Falcons fans, who now have a reason to pay attention to the preseason. Atlanta has much to settle before that first preseason game arrives. The team still has no clarity at the quarterback position.
Both Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. have yet to participate in 11-on-11 drills, leaving undrafted free agent Jack Strand as the QB1. Cooper Rush will likely be in the mix as well. Hopefully, Penix and Tagovailoa will be healthy enough to play by the team's preseason opener against the Denver Broncos.
Preseason Week 1: Denver Broncos
The Falcons will begin the 2026 NFL preseason at home against the Denver Broncos on August 14. Denver lost in the AFC Championship game to the New England Patriots. The Broncos will be looking to get quarterback Bo Nix back in time for the regular season.
- Date: Friday, August 14
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
Preseason Week 2: At Indianapolis Colts
In Week 2 of the preseason, the Falcons will head to Indianapolis to take on the Colts. Last season, Atlanta lost to Indianapolis in Berlin. Similar to the situation with Bo Nix in Denver, the Colts will be looking their quarterback, Daniel Jones, to get back on the field before the start of the season following a season-ending knee injury in 2025.
Expect the joint practice to come in the week leading up to the game on Saturday, August 22.
- Date: Saturday, August 22
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
Preseason Week 3: At Miami Dolphins
Finally, in the third week of the preseason, the Falcons will head down to Miami for a matchup against the Dolphins. Atlanta signed former Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa to a one-year deal in free agency. Tagovailoa will return to Miami for the first time since being released.
- Date: Friday, August 28
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
The Falcons will be back in action for their second open practice on Saturday.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons head coach lays out plan for playing starters in preseason
Continue reading...
