The Atlanta Falcons were ready to face the Baltimore Ravens in the second preseason game for both teams and rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. could have been the star of the game, especially considering that Kirk Cousins was not going to see any action.

However, the Washington Huskies product did not suit up to the disbelief of thousands of fans that were ready to see him in the second preseason game of his career. Not only did not play, but apparently, he will not play again in the preseason. While it was a preparation game, the Falcons dropped the game 13-12 and Penix could have been a factor for a possible win.

Coach has his reasons even if the fans don’t like them

Head coach Raheem Morris said after the game on Saturday that he has seen enough of his rookie quarterback to trust him to be ready in the regular season. “Mike showed us enough last week that we shouldn’t play him in the preseason,” Morris said.

“Last week, we wanted to get him out there and get a feel for what he’s like in a live game, we wanted to see him able to answer questions and talk about it on the bench, he did a lot of that. Last week we saw enough live material with Michael Penix.”

This decision means that Michael Penix Jr. will not play in Atlanta’s preseason finale against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday night. The Falcons think they are doing the right thing, but the fans showed their disappointment on social media.