Taking a page from the Detroit Lions’ playbook, the Atlanta Falcons announced their quarterback plans Monday ahead of both teams’ preseason matchup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris told reporters that Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins will not play during Friday’s game in Atlanta.

Instead, Easton Stick, entering his first season with the Falcons, and Emory Jones will split time at quarterback versus the Lions.

“That’s probably the most definitive thing that I can tell you right now,” Morris said. “There will be a lot of guys played, and there will be a couple that won’t.”

The announcement came a day after Lions head coach Dan Campbell revealed third-year quarterback Hendon Hooker will start the first half in Atlanta, with veteran Kyle Allen handling the second.

Sitting Penix makes sense, as he appears to be Atlanta’s starting quarterback after overtaking Cousins down the stretch last season. The move mirrors Detroit’s plan to hold out Jared Goff this preseason.

What’s more surprising is the decision also to sit Cousins, the former Michigan State standout who now appears to be the No. 2 on the depth chart.

Morris said this week’s practices –particularly Wednesday’s scrimmage — will help determine who else suits up against Detroit.

“I’m in a great spot, but definitely, you’re leaning the right way,” Morris said when asked about playing time. “We get a really good feel after the scrimmage on who needs what, what you can get somebody, and what you can get people.”

“Obviously, you’ve got a young football team, so there will be a lot more people playing than we had last year. You’ve got a couple of young guys that have to go out there and show some competitive things. We’ve got some positions that are up for battle. We want to see those things happen. That’ll happen in the scrimmage, the preseason games, and practices the following week. I’m feeling really good about that.”

The Lions and Falcons face off on Friday, Aug. 8 with kickoff set for 7 p.m.

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