The Atlanta Falcons lost their fifth straight game last Sunday, falling to 3-7 on the season with a 30-27 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers. It was Atlanta’s second straight overtime loss. And adding injury to insult, Michael Penix Jr. suffered a partial tear of his ACL, ending his season.
With the sophomore signal caller done the year, the Falcons will turn to Kirk Cousins. The four-time Pro Bowler filled in for Penix earlier this season, making a spot start in Week 8. Now he’ll take over at quarterback for Atlanta.
Cousins is preparing to face the New Orleans Saints in Week 12. Asked how he’s holding up, given the Falcons’ spate of injuries, Cousins told reporters, “I do feel good, per The Athletic’s Josh Kendall. He then added, “And I would never tell you if I wasn’t, probably until the season is over.”
Kirk Cousins takes over as Falcons' QB1
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) throws the ball in the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Article Continues Below
Cousins took over for an injured Penix late in Week 11. While he struggled against the Panthers, completing just 42.9 percent of his passes, he did lead two fourth-quarter field goal drives. The second Falcons' field goal tied the game with seconds remaining. However, Cousins benefited from excellent starting field position on both of his scoring drives.
In his lone start this season, Cousins went 21/31 for 173 scoreless yards as the Miami Dolphins blew out the Falcons 34-10.
Atlanta’s top wideout wasn’t available for Cousins’ Week 8 start. And he’ll face the Saints shorthanded in Week 12 as London is out with a knee injury.
The Falcons have missed the playoffs for seven straight years. The team will likely extend that streak in 2025 as it deals with multiple injuries following a nightmare 3-7 start. A loss to New Orleans on Sunday would drop Atlanta to last place in the NFC South.