Falcons Make Decision on Michael Penix, Kirk Cousins Playing Preaseason

Newsweek

2 hours ago

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Preseason football is a time when coaching staffs can evaluate their current rosters, deciding which players will be cut and which will be added to the final 53-man roster. It's also a chance to see where current veterans are at, and if they are working together to master the playbook.
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The Atlanta Falcons are one such team, but they have a unique situation. Currently, the team has Michael Penix as the starter, Kirk Cousins as the backup, and Easton Stick and Emory Jones beyond that.
It is widely believed that Cousins will remain the backup, and the Falcons have no interest in moving him. So, it would also be believed that Cousins might not get a big chance to prove to other teams to make wild offers for his services.
That second statement is speculation, but Cousins will not get his chance to shine in Week 1 of preseason.
Expect a lot of these around the league: #Falcons coach Raheem Morris tells reporters that QB Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins won't play this Friday for the #Falcons in their first preseason game. — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 4, 2025
Per multiple reports, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris is not going to play either Penix or Cousins when Friday's preseason game rolls around.
It is not at all shocking that the starter will not be out during the first week of preseason, but it is a bit strange that Cousins is not going to get a chance to play at all. He is the backup after all.
Kirk Cousins looks to pass as quarterback Michael Penix Jr. looks on during OTAs. Penix could be replacing Cousins before you know it.
Kirk Cousins looks to pass as quarterback Michael Penix Jr. looks on during OTAs. Penix could be replacing Cousins before you know it.
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
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It could be that the Falcons are protecting Cousins in a way to prevent him from suffering a costly injury, or it is simply not time for him to line up behind center. There are three preseason games in which to offer Cousins some quality starting time.
Former Los Angeles Chargers and veteran quarterback Stick will get the start instead.
The entire Cousins situation has been odd. Once he landed in Atlanta, he was given a monster four-year, $180 million contract, and there was reports that the Falcons tampered with the situation.
To add to that drama, Cousins was benched in favor of Penix ahead of Week 16 of the regular season, ending his time as the leader of the Falcons.
Cousins spoke to the Falcons' ownership about being traded, but they are hard-pressed to do that considering his sizable contract and dead cap money if they moved him. Either way, fans will have to wait until Week 2 or 3 to see Cousins sling the ball.
Even when he does take the field, the chances of him being moved after a stellar performance still remain slim.
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