Unexpected Blow: Falcons’ Star Benched Ahead of Crucial Dolphins Showdown

Ever notice how in football—the grand theatre of bone-crunching collisions and last-second heroics—sometimes the story isn’t just about who’s on the field, but who’s missing from it? Take the Atlanta Falcons as they prepare to face the Miami Dolphins this Sunday, sans their star wideout Drake London and starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr.—both sidelined by injuries. It’s moments like these that make you wonder: can a team truly rally when its main actors are benched, or does the shadow of their absence loom too large? With veteran Kirk Cousins stepping into the spotlight—and the Dolphins pinning their hopes on an upset—this game promises to be a fascinating chess match of grit, desperation, and hard-earned redemption. Let’s dive in and unravel what this all means for these struggling squads on the cusp of their NFL season turning point.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 19: Michael Penix Jr. #9 and Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons huddle in the tunnel ahead of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on October 19, 2025 in Santa Clara, California. — (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

The Miami Dolphins are desperate for a win.

They’ve lost all but one of their games this season, and that one triumph was against the winless New York Jets.

Fortunately for them, they might catch a break on Sunday.

As reported by Ari Meirov on X, the Atlanta Falcons won’t have star wide receiver Drake London in Week 8.

London is currently dealing with a hip injury.

If that wasn’t enough, they will also be without starting QB Michael Penix Jr., who’s out with a knee injury.

The #Falcons have ruled out WR Drake London (hip) for today's game vs. the Miami Dolphins.

QB Michael Penix Jr. (knee) is also out, so Kirk Cousins starts. pic.twitter.com/seRjWYJPo6

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 26, 2025

The Falcons will roll with veteran Kirk Cousins instead.

Cousins didn’t look good at all last season.

Raheem Morris’ team didn’t build the offense around his skills, and he ultimately lost his starting job to a rookie.

As such, he should be extremely motivated to prove that he still has plenty left in the tank, especially considering that the trade deadline is just a little over a week away.

Cousins could certainly be of help for several struggling teams, although it’s hard to believe someone will be willing to meet his steep salary demands at this point in the campaign.

As things stand now, the Falcons are seven-point home favorites.

That might be a little too much, given that most of the Dolphins’ losses have come in one-possession scores, and much more without two of their best players.

Even so, given the way they’ve fared and all the stories surrounding the team, it might take a lot for them to finally get back on track.

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