Atlanta Falcons expected to start Kirk Cousins at quarterback in Week 8 vs. Miami DolphinsJonathan Jones of CBS Sports reports. Michael Penix Jr. remains sidelined due to a bruise on his knee. This will be the veteran signal-caller's first start in more than 10 months since he was benched.
Penix was injured late in the game against the Falcons. San Francisco 49ers in the 7th week. Penix was able to finish the game, but his training was limited throughout the week. Cousins took over most of the first team reps with limited Penix.
Falcons coach Raheem Morris told CBS Sports' Melanie Collins that the team won't put Penix “in jeopardy” unless he is “100%” or “extremely close” to 100%. With Cousins likely to start, the Falcons will be able to adjust their offensive approach to suit the veteran's skill set while building on Sesame Robinson and the running game.
Cousins was benched by the Penics for the final three games of the 2024-25 season, and the only game time he has seen since then came in the Falcons' Week 3. Carolina Panthers. In mop-up duty, Cousins completed five of seven passes for 29 yards.
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Before retiring in 2024, Cousins completed 66.9 percent of his passes for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions, a league-best mark. It was Cousins' first season with the Falcons, and he lost his starting job just nine months after signing a four-year, $180 million contract as a free agent.
There were rumors this offseason that Cousins might be traded to another team in need of quarterbacks, but that never materialized. This is a plus for Atlanta in these types of situations because you won't find a more proven and effective backup anywhere else in the region. NFL. In his 14 seasons, Cousins threw for 43,008 yards, 288 touchdowns and 126 interceptions.
Cousins and the Falcons offense should have no problem getting the ball to Miami's defense this weekend. Even if Cousins has to shake off the rust, Atlanta should get whatever it wants from Robinson. The Dolphins rank dead last in defense, allowing an average of 159.3 yards per game.
