The 2024 NFL preseason has begun and after this weekend, all 32 teams will have played at least one game. The Atlanta Falcons will take on the Miami Dolphins on Friday at Hard Rock Stadium. The game begins at 7:00 p.m. ET, but we don't expect many starters to take the field.

Even if we don't see the first-team offense and defense on Friday night, there is no shortage of storylines for Falcons fans to follow. With that in mind, here are four players to watch in Atlanta's preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins:

1). QB Michael Penix Jr.

All eyes will be on Penix Friday night as the first-round pick makes his NFL debut. Atlanta used the No. 8 pick in the draft on the former Washington standout and since Kirk Cousins is the unquestioned starter at QB, Penix will have to make an impression during the preseason. Head coach Raheem Morris said he expects Penix to play quite a bit while Cousins will likely sit out. During his final year at Washington, Penix passed for nearly 5,000 yards, 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

2). WR Casey Washington

Washington has made some plays through the first few weeks of training camp and may be in for an increased role this season following the injury to wide receiver Rondale Moore. Washington was listed as the next wide receiver on the depth chart behind Moore and his big-play ability is something to keep an eye on. "He has measurables," said Falcons GM Terry Fontenot. "He has traits. We spent time with him. We love the makeup. Plays with a chip on his shoulder. He’s a competitor."

3). CB Clark Phillips III

The Falcons listed Mike Hughes as the No. 2 cornerback on the depth chart but don't rule out Clark Phillips from the competition just yet. The second-year cornerback has more upside than Hughes and made some nice plays during the team's joint practices with the Miami Dolphins. Phillips has solid ball skills and if he plays well enough in the preseason, perhaps he can lock up the starting job before Atlanta's Week 1 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

4). DL Ruke Orhorhoro

While Orhorhoro wasn't a household name going into draft weekend, the Falcons liked the versatile defensive lineman enough to trade up into the second round and draft him with pick No. 35. The former Clemson standout was listed as the team's backup nose tackle on the team's initial depth chart. Since Atlanta has good depth along its interior defensive line, Orhorhoro won't be forced into the starting lineup. Still, we expect to see the rookie earn a key rotational role this season. We don't know how much he will play on Friday, but fans will be watching closely regardless.

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This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons DL Ruke Orhorhoro among players to watch in preseason opener