A knee injury to Michael Penix Jr. has Kirk Cousins on track to make his first start of the 2025 season for the Atlanta Falcons.

Cousins, who signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons last year in free agency, hasn't started a game since Week 15 of the 2024 season. The Falcons got off to a 6-3 start with Cousins under center last season, but things fell apart during the second half.

The Falcons drafted Xavier Watts in the third round (96th overall) out of Notre Dame, and he has been a steal of a pickup. In six professional games, he has recorded 37 total tackles (23 solo, 14 assisted), four passes defended and two interceptions. He was named the NFC Defensive Rookie of the Month for his stellar play.

The Atlanta Falcons will likely be without quarterback Michael Penix Jr. on Sunday as the team faces the Miami Dolphins at home.

Kirk Cousins is “highly likely” to make his first start for the Falcons on Sunday since getting benched in a December 2024 game.

The free-falling Washington Commanders, who the Falcons beat before their Week 5 bye, came in one spot ahead of Atlanta at No. 19 with their 3-4 record. They're the only team the Falcons have played that has a losing record now that the Carolina Panthers have moved to 4-3.

The hungry NFL injury bug may have just handed Kirk Cousins and the Falcons a chance at a mutually beneficial exit strategy.

It's "highly likely" that we see Kirk Cousins starting for the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Regular starter Michael Penix Jr. is dealing with a bone bruise in his knee suffered last week against the San Francisco 49ers and was listed as "questionable" on the team's Friday injury report.

According to Adam Schefter, the Atlanta Falcons have made a decision on starting Michael Penix or Kirk Cousins against the Dolphins Sunday.

A knee injury to Michael Penix Jr. has Kirk Cousins on track to make his first start of the 2025 season for the Atlanta Falcons.