Who Should I Start? Michael Penix Jr. or Spencer Rattler

Tuesday, August 12, 10:08 AM

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will not play in the team's second preseason game on Friday, per ESPN's Marc Raimondi. Backup quarterback Kirk Cousins is also unlikely to play, although it has not been completely ruled out by the team. Neither Penix Jr. nor Cousins played in Atlanta's first preseason game against the Detroit Lions last Friday, leaving Easton Stick and Emory Jones to handle signal-calling duties. Penix Jr. has a long injury history dating back to his time in college, so it makes sense why the team would want to be cautious with him in the preseason despite his limited NFL experience as a starter (three games).

Thursday, August 14, 8:31 PM

New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore told reporters on Thursday that he has yet to decide on a starter for Sunday's home meeting with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Spencer Rattler got the nod last weekend and played one quarter in their loss to the Chargers before giving way to rookie signal-caller Tyler Shough. Shough saw the most work in that one, and that Moore is still tinkering with his lineup suggests the Saints' QB situation is far from clear-cut. One of Shough or Rattler figures to eventually pull ahead in that race, but Jake Haener can't be counted out just yet. Whomever eventually wins out will determine the value of New Orleans' skill players. Still, outside of running back Alvin Kamara and wide receiver Chris Olave, there aren't many other enticing options. Perhaps the situation will shake itself out this weekend when the Jaguars come to town.