Falcons' Kirk Cousins Expected to Start vs Dolphins After Penix Knee Injury

Kirk Cousins is expected to start as the Atlanta Falcons' quarterback against the Miami Dolphins due to an injury to starter Michael Penix Jr., who suffered a bone bruise in his left knee. Cousins, who was benched last season after struggling with injuries and turnovers, has been taking significant reps in practice this week, signaling the coaching staff's confidence in him as a reliable backup option. Despite a challenging 2024 season, Cousins' experience and recovery from a major Achilles injury offer hope that he can provide stability for the Falcons' offense, which has struggled under Penix's inconsistent performances. Falcons coach Raheem Morris has praised Penix as a "stud" but acknowledged Cousins' readiness to lead the team if Penix is unable to play. The Falcons, currently at a 3-3 record, face an important juncture with this quarterback change, and Cousins' potential return to form could impact his future with the team. This situation highlights the ongoing quarterback drama for the Falcons as they seek to optimize their playoff chances.