Kevin Stefanski is preaching patience with Michael Penix.
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The new Atlanta Falcons head coach said he remains optimistic about the former top-10 pick, even as Penix continues rehabbing a torn ACL.
But Stefanski made it clear the priority is recovery.
"Michael is somebody I'm very excited about, and his rehab is what's most important right now," Stefanski said. "I saw him in the training room this week. He's, as you can imagine, attacking his rehab."
As for what Penix can become once he is fully healthy, Stefanski sounded encouraged by what he has already seen on film.
"I think you see a player on tape that can get through progressions, can layer the ball, can push the ball to all areas of the field," he said at his introductory press conference. "Obviously, he was very productive in college, has had some really, really, really good moments here in the pros, so I just see a young player that will continue to develop and continue to get there."
Atlanta's quarterback room remains in flux. Kirk Cousins is still on the roster, though the expectation is the Falcons will eventually move on. Stefanski coached Cousins in Minnesota but stopped short of offering any clarity on whether that relationship could carry forward.
"When it comes to Kirk, obviously have a previous relationship with Kirk," Stefanski said. "But I don't know if it's the time yet to talk about all the position and those types of things. Those types of conversations will come in due time."
