The Atlanta Falcons could turn to a familiar face on offense in Week 8 against the Miami Dolphins.
Michael Penix Jr. has led the Falcons in each of the first six games this season, but a left knee injury could sideline him on Sunday. If that happens, Kirk Cousins—the former starter who lost favor in Atlanta after a string of errant passes—could take over under center.
Here’s what you need to know.
MORE:NFL picks, predictions for Week 8
What happened to Michael Penix Jr.?
Penix was temporarily sidelined by a bone bruise in his left knee during Atlanta’s Week 7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. He returned to the game shortly after sustaining the injury, but he was a limited participant in the final two practices of the week and was listed as questionable for Sunday’s matchup.
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris told reporters that Cousins took “significant” reps toward the end of the week.
“I’m really confident in our backup,” Morris said of Cousins on Friday. “We’re going to give [Penix] every opportunity we can. The kid is tough. He’s a guy. He’s a stud.”
MORE:Michael Penix Jr. injury history
On Friday, Penix told reporters he expected to play, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Nevertheless, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Cousins is "highly likely" to start on Sunday.
Cousins has been relegated to the second-string since Week 15 of the 2024 season. He struggled mightily throughout the campaign, tallying 16 interceptions in 14 appearances.
Falcons QB depth chart
QB Player
1 Michael Penix Jr.
2 Kirk Cousins
3 Easton Stick
PS Emory Jones
If Penix, indeed, misses Sunday’s contest, Cousins will take his place under center. He struggled with turnovers in 2024, but the Dolphins’ defense hasn’t provided much resistance so far, surrendering 11 touchdowns to just one interception this season.
Easton Stick rounds out the trio of quarterbacks available to Raheem Morris on a weekly basis.