FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons promoted quarterback Easton Stick to the active roster from the practice squad for Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins, providing more depth with starter Michael Penix Jr.’s status uncertain.
On the NFL injury report issued Saturday, Penix was listed as questionable with a bone bruise on his left knee after being limited in practice through the week.
Kirk Cousins, the former starter who lost the No. 1 job when Penix took over for the final three games last season, would start if Penix is held out. Saturday’s move would allow Stick to serve as Cousins’ backup against the Dolphins.
Atlanta second-year head coach Raheem Morris said Wednesday the team would protect Penix and “will not put him in harm’s way” if he failed to show in practice he had the necessary mobility to elude pass rushers and play the position.
When asked Wednesday if he expects to start, Penix said: “That’s the plan. Heck yeah.”