The Atlanta Falcons concluded their second and final joint practice with the Tennessee Titans on Wednesday in Flowery Branch, Georgia. The session was marked by heightened intensity, including a notable altercation involving rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris provided updates on several injured players before practice began. Offensive tackle Storm Norton is recovering from a lower-body injury, with his return timeline uncertain. Defensive lineman Ta’Quon Graham left Tuesday’s practice due to a calf issue and is considered week-to-week. Cornerback Cobee Bryant is also out with a hamstring injury and will be evaluated weekly.
Kirk Cousins stood out as the most notable offensive player during Wednesday’s session. After tempers flared on the field, Cousins led the second-team offense against the Titans’ defense, completing three consecutive passes—including a long ball to David Sills V and two first-down throws to Dylan Drummond—helping refocus the team after disruptions.
On defense, cornerback Dee Alford made key plays throughout practice. He intercepted Titans quarterback Cam Ward during full-team drills after pressure from Falcons defensive linemen Ruke Orhorhoro and Brandon Dorlus forced an errant throw. Earlier in split 11-on-11 work, Alford batted down another pass intended for Tyler Lockett.
Reflecting on his involvement in the mid-practice fight, Michael Penix Jr. said: “I was somebody else.” Inside linebacker Kaden Elliss commented on Penix’s actions: “I’m off on the sidelines. One of the guys comes up to me and is like, ‘Dude, our quarterback is different. Our quarterback is different.’ I was like, ‘What happened?’ He said, ‘He was the one fighting, and everyone jumped the dude.’ I was like all right, Mike, I love you, dawg. That’s my dude. That’s my quarterback. QB1.”
Offensive observations highlighted red zone work for both first- and second-team units. Penix completed three of five passes in early drills—two touchdowns to Drake London at the goal line and one to Kyle Pitts—while Cousins also threw three touchdowns but had an interception following a bobbled catch by Charlie Woerner.
The Falcons rotated receivers such as David Sills V into more prominent roles amid uncertainty over Darnell Mooney’s status ahead of roster decisions for wide receiver depth.
Defensively, safety Ronnie Harrison nearly recorded his first interception since joining Atlanta but dropped a potential pick in end zone coverage against Titans backup Brandon Allen. AJ Terrell Jr., who gave up an early touchdown to Calvin Ridley during 11-on-11s, later broke up another pass intended for Ridley.
The battle for starting safety alongside Jessie Bates III remains competitive among Xavier Watts (who saw significant time with starters), Jordan Fuller (rotating reps), and DeMarcco Hellams (with second team).
Special teams periods were also contentious; Falcons wide receiver Casey Washington engaged in a scuffle with Titans returner James Proche II after punt coverage duties escalated into face mask grabbing between both players.
DeMarcco Hellams sustained what appeared to be a minor shoulder or collarbone injury during special teams play but returned later without issue.
The Falcons will host the Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium this Friday for their second preseason game of 2025 at 7 p.m ET.
There are now 25 days remaining until Atlanta opens its regular season against Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 7.
