Sporty.com | Falcons to start rookie Penix Jr., bench Cousins

The Atlanta Falcons are making a change at quarterback, benching veteran Kirk Cousins in favour of rookie Michael Penix Jr.

The Falcons signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract this offseason with $100 million fully guaranteed, but he will head to the bench after 14 games.

Cousins struggled again in Monday night’s ugly 15-9 win over the lowly Las Vegas Raiders, going 11 for 17 for 112 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He has thrown nine picks to just one touchdown in the last five games.

“After review, we have made the decision Michael Penix will be the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback moving forward,” Falcons coach Raheem Morris said in a statement. “This was a football decision, and we are fully focused on preparing the team for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.”

Penix Jr. was the eighth overall pick out of Washington in the 2024 draft and will make his first career start Sunday against the Giants. The 24-year-old has appeared in two games, completing three passes on five attempts for 38 yards.

The Falcons (7-7) ended a five-game losing streak with Monday’s victory and are one game behind first-place Tampa Bay in the NFC South.