All the Dirty Bird news you can use…
- Falcons coach Raheem Morris on DL Brandon Dorlus as a Week 1 starter: “I really don’t care about depth charts, to be honest, but Dorlus has done a phenomenal job”.
- WR Darnell Mooney remains “day-to-day,” and whether he’s medically ready to play will determine if he is a go this Sunday. It could be a game-time decision. He did take some practice reps on the field today. OC Zac Robinson said of Mooney, “He looks good out there. Running really well.”
- Morris says facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1 is an “unbelievable test.“
- Morris says “role clarity” would help his new defensive guys focus. “If you can own your role, that makes you more comfortable,” he said.
- Fox 5 Sports Reporter Kelly Price asked Morris about how he knew his team was ready to take on the season. He responded with attention to detail, conversational meetings, and maturity growth from players he wanted to see it from (but did not specifically mention.)
- QB 1 Michael Penix Jr. is not worried about not playing in pre-season. He says he feels ready for Sunday.
- Penix Jr. on Elijah Wilkinson’s promotion to starting right tackle: “Obviously, he’s here for a reason. Each and every player on this offense, we believe in him.”
- Penix Jr. likes the squad of lefties on offense. “It’s crazy. I haven’t had this much. I like it.” He says the defensive line has been “swarming.”
- Penix Jr. said he consulted with former Falcons QB Matt Ryan about his pre-game routine.
- Penix Jr. on the Falcons putting their best foot forward at home in the Benz this Sunday: “We have to prove to ourselves that we’re everything we say we want to be.”
- The Falcons confirmed the statuses of their injured players today. Mooney was listed as limited participation (shoulder), while CD Clark Phillips III, also limited practice, has a rib injury. Non-participants are safety DeMarcco Hellams (hamstring) and offensive lineman Jack Nelson (calf.)
- Happy Birthday to Falcons Head Coach Raheem Morris.
