Falcons

Falcons’ first-round quarterback Michael Penix Jr. expressed that he feels nervous ahead of his debut start for the team this Sunday.

“I just got to be myself,” Penix stated in an interview, as reported by PFT. “I don’t feel like I have to be anyone else. I don’t need to strive too hard to be the big leader or the vocal leader. I just need to be myself. I trust in my preparation and aim to bring everyone along with me.”

Former Falcons QB Kirk Cousins, who was sidelined due to underwhelming performance, assured fans that he is fully supportive of Penix and will assist him however possible.

“I just want him to know that I’m here for him, backing him up, and helping in any way I can,” Cousins mentioned. “The quarterback room operates as a unit for everyone’s benefit, and that doesn’t change now.”

Panthers

Panthers linebacker Jon Rhattigan has garnered a solid reputation for his contributions on special teams. Carolina cornerback Michael Jackson praised Rhattigan for his dedication and capacity to impact special teams positively.

“He’s a great guy who works hard,” Jackson said, according to Joseph Person of The Athletic. “Now that he finally has his chance to showcase his defensive skills, it changes the perspective. Everyone sees him only as a special teams player, but he views this as an opportunity to demonstrate to the league that he can play defense too, not just be a core special teamer.”

Rhattigan has logged only 20 defensive snaps during his career, with 11 occurring in the Seahawks’ 37-3 loss to the Ravens last season, where he made five tackles.

“The highlight was just being out there, getting comfortable, and allowing the game to slow down,” Rhattigan reflected. “At the end of the day, it’s just football. It’s all about getting into the right mindset and mentality to make plays. I managed to make a decent number of tackles.”

Jackson also emphasized Rhattigan’s reliability in positioning.

“He’s going to come in, keep quiet, work hard, and always be in the right spot,” Jackson affirmed. “I have full confidence that he’ll come in and do his job.”

Saints

• Saints GM Mickey Loomis stated that QB Derek Carr must reach a functional level with his hand: “We’ll proceed as he gets to where he can play. I know he wants to be on the field, and he will when he’s ready.” (Jeff Nowak)
• New Orleans RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire expressed that returning home to join the Saints was an opportunity he couldn’t ignore. (Jeff Nowak)
• According to Nick Underhill, Saints WR Chris Olave (concussion) received clearance from a specialist this week and participated in practice on Thursday.
• Underhill indicated they would monitor Olave’s condition and “go from there.”
• Reports suggest that Saints RB Alvin Kamara’s groin injury may be season-ending. Underhill also noted that Kamara is unlikely to play in Week 16. (Nick Underhill)
• Underhill further reported that Kamara “intends” to return before season’s end.
• Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi dismissed claims that Derek Carr’s injury is season-ending, asserting that Carr would have been placed on injured reserve had that been true, via Katherine Terrell.
• Rizzi indicated that Olave is “probably doubtful” for Week 16, considering it a “little bit aggressive” for him to play, as reported by Matthew Paras.