Kirk Cousins Replaces Injured Penix as Falcons Clash with Dolphins
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins is set to start against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, stepping in for the injured Michael Penix Jr. This decision comes as Penix is dealing with a bone bruise in his left knee, sustained during a recent game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Kirk Cousins Takes the Helm
Cousins’ promotion to starter marks his first game since December of last year. The Falcons’ head coach, Raheem Morris, indicated that Cousins received significant practice time leading up to the game while Penix was limited due to his injury.
Penix’s Injury Details
- Injury: Bone bruise in left knee
- Status: Questionable for the game
- Last game: Played against the San Francisco 49ers
As of now, Penix’s ability to recover in time for the game is uncertain, leaving Cousins as the primary option for the Falcons. Morris has expressed confidence in Cousins’ ability to lead the team effectively during this challenging period.
Cousins’ Tenure with the Falcons
Kirk Cousins is notably the NFL’s highest-paid active backup quarterback. He signed a four-year contract worth $180 million in the spring of 2024, which aimed to secure his position as Atlanta’s starting quarterback. However, that changed when the Falcons drafted Penix Jr. a month later, leading to Cousins being benched after 14 starts.
Financial Insights
Cousins is currently making $27.5 million this season, with a total payout exceeding $90 million for his previous starts. His situation became complicated as he expressed his desire to be traded but was retained by Atlanta due to their expectations for compensation.
- Current Salary: $27.5 million
- Total Earnings (14 starts): Over $90 million
Looking Ahead
Cousins has participated in minimal gameplay this season, completing 5 of 7 passes for 29 yards in a previous match against the Carolina Panthers. Despite his backup role, he remains hopeful for a miraculous trade situation before the impending November 4 deadline.
As the Falcons prepare for their game against the Dolphins, all eyes will be on Cousins as he embraces the starting role once again, signaling a critical moment for both himself and the franchise amidst ongoing uncertainty regarding their quarterback situation.
