The Atlanta Falcons will be squaring off against the New Orleans Saints in an NFC South rivalry game on Sunday, but they’ll be without starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
Penix, who held a 69.7 (D+) PFSN QBi score, was injured in the Week 11 vs the Carolina Panthers, leaving the game in the third quarter with the knee injury. The extent of the issue was a partially torn ACL, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.
Kirk Cousins Pledges Support for Michael Penix, Jr. as He Begins Long Recovery
Kirk Cousins will be the starting quarterback for the rest of the season, as Penix is done for the year. Cousins voiced support for Penix ahead of Sunday’s game, as it was reported by Tori McElhaney of the Falcons’ official site that Cousins talked about the upcoming contest and Penix’s injury on Wednesday, saying:
“Obviously got a good opportunity against the Saints this week, But wanted to just acknowledge how tough the injury is for Michael. My heart breaks for him. He’s someone who has handled adversity so well through his football journey, and unfortunately, he’s having to do it again. But I’m very confident he has a lot of good football ahead of him.”
Cousins continued by stating, “And yeah, we’re just looking forward to getting to go against the Saints and trying to get back on track here and get things going in the right direction.”
Kirk Cousins’ Rollercoaster Atlanta Tenure Examined
The Atlanta Falcons signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million dollar contract with $100 million guaranteed back in March 2024. Fans celebrated with the hope that Atlanta had secured a franchise quarterback. Cousins started off the 2024 season in encouraging fashion, leading the Falcons to a 4-2 record over their first six games.
In a Week 5 overtime win against Tampa Bay, Cousins threw for 509 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. Cousins subsequently put together several more strong performances, but he sustained an elbow injury in Week 10 against the New Orleans Saints His play declined after that point, and he was ultimately benched in favor of Penix beginning in Week 16.
Fast forward to 2025. Prior to having to handle emergency duty in the Week 11 overtime loss to the Panthers, Cousins had already logged one start in Week 8 against the Miami Dolphins where Atlanta fell by a 34-10 score.
Cousins completed 21 of 31 passes for 173 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in that game while filling in for Penix, who sat out the contest due to a bone bruise in his knee.
With Penix now sidelined the remainder of the season, Cousins will get a multi-week opportunity to showcase why he deserves to still be a starter in the NFL.
The Falcons offense comes into Week 12 with a 75.5 Offensive Impact score, while the defense is at 71.8.
