NFC Notes: Michael Penix Jr., Derek Carr, Falcons, Panthers, Saints

Falcons

Falcons first-round QB Michael Penix Jr. admitted that he’ll be nervous as he makes his first start for the team on Sunday.

โ€œI just got to be myself,โ€ Penix said, via PFT. โ€œI donโ€™t feel like I got to be anybody else. I donโ€™t have to try too hard to be the big leader, the vocal leader. Just be myself. Trust in my preparation and bring everybody along with me.โ€

Falcons QB Kirk Cousins, who was benched due to poor play, said that he has Penix’s back and will support him in any way he can.

โ€œI just let him know Iโ€™d be in his corner and supporting him and trying to help him any way I can,โ€ Cousins said. โ€œThe quarterback room when Iโ€™m playing, itโ€™s a working force to help us all, and itโ€™s the same now. That doesnโ€™t change.โ€

Panthers

Panthers LB Jon Rhattigan has built a reputation as a standout player on special teams. Carolina CB Michael Jackson praised Rhattigan’s work ethic and ability to make an impact on special teams. 

โ€œHeโ€™s a good guy. Works hard,โ€ said Jackson, via Joseph Person of The Athletic. โ€œThe fact that now he finally gets his shot to show what he can do on defense kind of changes how people view you. Everybody just sees him as a special teams guy. I know heโ€™s looking at it (like), โ€˜This is an opportunity to go show the whole league that I can actually go play defense. Iโ€™m not just a core special teamer.โ€™โ€

Rhattigan has only appeared in 20 defensive snaps throughout his career with 11 of them coming at the end of the Seahawks’ 37-3 loss to the Ravens last season. The linebacker reflected on the game, where he recorded five tackles. 

โ€œI would say the highlight was just being out there, getting comfortable and things calming down. Itโ€™s just football at the end of the day,โ€ Rhattigan said. โ€œUltimately, itโ€™s getting in the right head space and the right mentality. Itโ€™s getting to the football. I made a decent bit of tackles.โ€

Jackson added that Rhattigan is always in the correct alignment. 

โ€œHeโ€™s gonna come in, he ainโ€™t gonna say too much. Heโ€™s gonna work hard, always be on time, be in the right spot,โ€ Jackson said. โ€œSo Iโ€™ve got faith that heโ€™s gonna come in and do his job.โ€

Saints

  • Saints GM Mickey Loomis said QB Derek Carr still has to get to a point where his hand can function: “Weโ€™re just gonna have to go along and when he gets to the point where he can function well enough to play in the game, I know … he wants to play and when he can, he will.” (Jeff Nowak)
  • New Orleans RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire said the opportunity to join New Orleans and be back at home was too good of an opportunity to pass up. (Jeff Nowak)
  • According to Nick Underhill, Saints WR Chris Olave (concussion) was cleared by a specialist this week and practiced on Thursday.
  • Underhill notes they will see how Olave feels and “go from there.”
  • It was reported Saints RB Alvin Kamara‘s groin injury could be season-ending. Underhill notes Kamar is unlikely to play in Week 16. 
  • Underhill reports Kamara “intends” to get back before the end of the season.
  • Saints interim HC Darren Rizzi refuted reports of Derek Carr‘s injury being a season-ending issue and said Carr would be placed on injured reserve if it was true, via Katherine Terrell. 
  • Rizzi said Olave is “probably doubtful” for Week 16 and it would be considered a “little bit aggressive” for him to play, per Matthew Paras

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