Falcons share highlights from Friday night practice featuring rookie QB Michael Penix Jr.

The Atlanta Falcons played their annual mock game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday night

FLOWERY BRANCH, GEORGIA - MAY 14: Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Atlanta Falcons looks on behind quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 during OTA offseason workouts at the Atlanta Falcons training facility on May 14, 2024 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. / (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Atlanta Falcons took a break from their regular training camp schedule and held an open practice, including a mock game on Friday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in front of a small crowd of fans. Few fanbases have more reason to be excited about this coming season than Atlanta's, courtesy of a couple big infusions at the game's most important position.

First, the Falcons signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year deal worth a total of $180 million. Then, they blew the draft community's minds by picking Michael Penix Jr. at eighth overall in the draft. While it may be an awkward situation (especially for Cousins) they made sure they've got multiple quality options in their backfield.

After practice was over the team shared a short highlight reel on Youtube, including some beautiful throws from Penix. Watch.

If you've had the misfortune to follow the Falcons at any time over the last few years, you know they already had a pretty strong roster in place - they were just missing that critical final piece at quarterback. Whether it's Cousins or Penix they now have that void filled.

— Enjoy more free NFL Draft coverage with NFL Draft on SI — 

Malik Nabers: Route-running demon in New York

Taliese Fuaga is the ‘best rookie lineman’ this vet has ever seen

Rams’ Jared Verse is being heard, if not seen

Sean Payton updates QB priority in Denver