Falcons Poised to Make Shock Quarterback Switch: Kirk Cousins Set to Start Despite Penix Jr.’s Injury Fallout

With Sunday’s matchup looming, the buzz swirling around Atlanta is all about Kirk Cousins possibly stepping under center for the Falcons against the Miami Dolphins. Michael Penix Jr., the usual maestro directing plays, is nursing a bone bruise in his knee — a nagging injury from last week’s battle with the 49ers that’s left him doubtful for the game. It’s been a week of shifts and shadows in practice, as Cousins has taken on a hefty share of reps, signaling to fans and foes alike that he’s ready should Penix fall short. Head coach Raheem Morris, ever the realist, keeps the door open but holds hope tight, emphasizing his confidence in Cousins’ backup prowess while giving Penix every chance to fight through. The quarterback chess game might not get resolved until the whistle blows on game day, but make no mistake, the stakes are high, and Atlanta’s quarterback saga adds a real edge to this NFC South clash. LEARN MORE

It’s “highly likely” that we see Kirk Cousins starting for the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Regular starter Michael Penix Jr. is dealing with a bone bruise in his knee suffered last week against the San Francisco 49ers and was listed as “questionable” on the team’s Friday injury report.

As Penix was limited in practice, Cousins took “significant” reps this week, according to head coach Raheem Morris, an indication that the quarterback was preparing to potentially start in case Penix is ruled out.

“I’m really confident in our backup,” said Morris about Cousins. “We’re gonna give [Penix] every opportunity we can give him. The kid is tough. He’s a guy, he’s a stud.”

Morris added that a quarterback decision will likely not come until game day.

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It was in Week 16 last season that Penix took over the starting job from Cousins after the Falcons went from a 6-3 start to dropping four of five games, which featured Cousins throwing nine interceptions and only one touchdown.

The 37-year-old Cousins in the second year of a four-year, $180 million contract that ranks him among the NFL’s top 15 at the position. Shortly after signing Cousins, the Falcons made Penix their first-round pick. Atlanta is reportedly asking for any trade partner to take on most of that contract, along with a high draft pick in exchange.

The 3-3 Falcons sit third in the NFC South behind the 4-3 Carolina Panthers and 5-2 first-place Tampa Bay Buccaneers.