Falcons rookie report: Finally time for Michael Penix

The rookie report is gaining momentum. This week we saw all but one member of the 2024 draft class active and even got a long-awaited look at rookie quarterback Michael Penix in game action.

Were these follow-up snapshots? Aside from Ruke Orhorhoro’s work on defense and JD Bertrand’s work on special teams, they were on one last offensive drive and had the game completely out of control. But every bit of playing time and confidence counts for these rookies, and I hope we see the final piece of this particular puzzle (that would be Brandon Dorlus) sooner rather than later.

Let’s talk about newbies.

QB Michael Penix

All it took for Penix to see it was a catastrophic defeat. The Falcons didn’t ask much of him at the end of that game, but they brought him in there to gain regular season experience and the timing was right. Penix’s only pass gave Casey Washington the first down and it was nice to get a glimpse of the rookie who will be Atlanta’s franchise quarterback in the future.

DL Ruke Orhorhoro

He played 17 snaps this week, down slightly from Week 6, and recorded a tackle for loss that could have been counted as a sack after causing a fumble-recovering Geno Smith to be on the ground. Otherwise he had a pretty quiet day, but time and repetition should give him more opportunities to really make an impact.

OLB Bralen Trice

I miss Trice a little more every week; He could have been an asset to this defense.

DL Brandon Dorlus

I really hope this is the last time it’s inactive. Given the lack of consistent offense up front, Dorlus and his pass-rush chops feel like they would be a welcome addition to this group, even if he’s just throwing passes to start with.

LB JD Bertrand

This week, Bertrand went back to special teams, where he played most of the snaps. With Nate Landman not 100% and Troy Andersen not guaranteed to return in Week 8, I’m wondering if we might see a little more of him on defense, even though his debut a few weeks ago was pretty inconsistent.

RB Jase McClellan

McClellan also got into a game! It was a wild weekend for this rookie class.

Unlike Penix, McClellan got some real work at the end of the game, hauling in five carries and rushing for 17 yards. He slipped a bit but recovered on a carry but ran hard and it was good to see a player who should be the third running back long term.

WR Casey Washington

He joined Penix and McClellan on the final offensive tackle of the game, receiving a laser from Penix for a first down where he struggled for a few extra yards. If everyone is healthy, Washington won’t play a significant role in this wide receiver group, but he should be a contributor late this year or in 2025.

DL Zion Logue

Logue is now a Buffalo Bill.