Heading into the Atlanta Falcons’ Week 12 matchup with divisional rivals, the New Orleans Saints, veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins has been tasked with saving his team’s season off the bench. Although the Falcons have played some poor football through 11 weeks, starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has been sidelined following a season-ending knee injury, giving way for Cousins to make his first start of the season.
Michael Penix Jr Hits IR, Making Way for Kirk Cousins at QB
It is no secret that the Falcons have struggled this season; their 3-7 record through 11 weeks makes that abundantly clear. Unfortunately for Falcons fans, the team’s poor play is not the only concern in the building. Following the injury to Penix Jr., which he suffered in the Falcons’ 30-27 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 11, concerns have mounted for their former eighth overall selection in 2024, who is set to undergo another lengthy recovery period.
Penix Jr. was forced to leave the Falcons’ Week 11 game with a knee injury, immediately raising concerns given the quarterback’s already lengthy history with knee injuries in his young career.
Following the conclusion of the game, the worst was indeed confirmed when it was reported that Penix Jr. did, in fact, suffer damage to the ACL. The Falcons confirmed via social media that Penix Jr. sustained a partially torn ACL and would undergo season-ending surgery.
With an expected recovery period of nine months, Penix Jr. is focused strictly on recovery in hopes of getting back on the field before the start of the 2026 season. Penix Jr. struggled this season. According to PFSN, the Falcons QB amassed a 69.7 (D+) QB impact score, which ranked 26th among 38 eligible quarterbacks this season.
Now, all eyes turn to 14-year veteran Kirk Cousins, as the Falcons look to avoid being eliminated from postseason contention with a loss to the Saints in Week 12. Ahead of the season-deciding contest in New Orleans, Cousins had some encouraging words for the Falcons’ young starting quarterback.
“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 said earlier in the week, following the announcement that he would be the Falcons’ starting quarterback moving forward.
With the Falcons in the midst of a downward spiral at 3-7, Cousins has been tasked with pulling this talented roster out of the basement and into playoff conversations. Still, with the NFC looking as competitive as ever, the task is indeed a tall one.
Fans get their first look at Cousins as a starting quarterback in 2025, but with the Falcons’ season on the line against the divisional rival Saints, the Falcons are hoping they get vintage Cousins in year 14.
