Falcons

Last week, Falcons QB Michael Penix was asked where he goes for advice, but didn’t mention the team’s coaching staff. This led to some reporters raising eyebrows, with HC Raheem Morris feeling that the media is looking for any flaw they can find in Penix’s comments.

“Stop looking for stuff on a young man,” Morris said, via ESPN’s Marc Raimondi. “You don’t need this stuff on him. It is what it is. But all of those things people do, it doesn’t matter to affect this building. I just feel bad for the kid. I don’t want the kid having to deal with stuff that doesn’t matter or stuff that’s not real. . . . Let his problems be his problems, like third downs. Let’s fix those. Don’t make up [a thing] that doesn’t exist.”

Penix declined to add any further comments on the situation but said those within the organization know the truth and that he and Morris laughed about the situation during the week.

• Morris said WR Drake London will be “week-to-week.” “He could come back and feel much better. We just don’t know.” (Josh Kendall)
• Morris confirmed that Penix will go on injured reserve: “Michael will go to IR. Don’t have any further information. That’ll be at least a four-week deal. We have some second opinions, a bunch of different things going on.” (Kendall)
• Falcons QB coach D.J. Williams on Penix: “It’s really no different than what it’s been since last year, since he came in. You know what I mean? Just being in constant communication, constant talk, and just coaching him as hard as I possibly can.” (Ledbetter)
• Falcons S Jessie Bates was fined $11,593 for taunting, and LB Ronnie Harrison was fined $6,972 for a violent gesture.
• With the caveat that hot-seat speculation at this time of year usually comes from people on the outside monitoring things, not internal sources, ESPN’s Dan Graziano says Morris comes up as potentially in danger, even though this is just his second season.
• Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. will miss the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury. When asked if Penix’s injury changes their plan at quarterback when the offseason rolls around, Morris responded, “Yes. It has to,” per Tori McElheney.
• As for London’s knee injury, Morris added they are hopeful he’s back next week: “Hopefully, next week,” via Josh Kendall.

Panthers

Panthers WR Xavier Legette recorded four receptions for 83 yards, including a 36-yard touchdown in Week 11’s win over the Falcons. Carolina RB Chuba Hubbard reflected on the growth he’s seen from the second-year receiver, praising him for his resiliency.

“The celebration was amazing, but the biggest thing that I look at from that moment is just the progression and work that he’s put in,” Hubbard said, via Joseph Person of The Athletic. *“He’s a great player. He’s been resilient. He’s had to deal with adversity. To see him get all the (negative)...