Kirk Cousins Poised to Start for Falcons Against Dolphins

Kirk Cousins is expected to make his first start for the Falcons this Sunday, stepping in after starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was sidelined due to a knee injury. This marks Cousins’ return since a game in December 2024, as reported by ESPN.

Penix suffered a bone bruise in his left knee during last weekend’s match against the 49ers. He mentioned on Wednesday that he intended to play, but has been limited in practice throughout the week and is officially considered questionable for the upcoming game.

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris shared that Cousins has been involved in a significant amount of practice reps lately, expressing confidence in the backup quarterback during Friday’s press conference.

“I’m really confident in our backup,” Morris said. He assured reporters that they would give Penix every opportunity to recover, but clearly has faith in Cousins, calling him “a stud.”

If Cousins does indeed start, it would be a return to a role he was initially expected to fill when he signed his four-year, $180 million contract with Atlanta back in March 2024.

However, the situation shifted when the Falcons drafted Penix as the No. 8 overall pick in the NFL Draft a month later. Following a shaky end to the season where the Falcons lost four out of five games, Morris turned to Penix for the last three matches.

This trend continued into the 2025 season, even after Penix faced a tough game in a 30-0 loss to the Panthers. Morris reiterated his support for Penix, saying, “Kirk lost his job last year,” adding that the current situation with Penix was different, highlighting it as just one bad game.

Penix has faced some challenges this season, throwing for 1,409 yards, with five touchdowns and three interceptions over six games. His performance included a notable 250 yards and a touchdown in a recent victory over the Bills.

There were moments when it seemed Cousins’ tenure with the Falcons might be over, with rumors about potential trades circulating, though these were hampered by a lack of trade value.

Now, Atlanta finds itself depending on Cousins once more, at least for the time being. Heading into Week 8 against the Dolphins, the Falcons have won two of their last three games, while the struggling Dolphins sit at 1-6, putting head coach Mike McDaniel under pressure.