ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Falcons QB Kirk Cousins is "highly likely" to start Sunday's game against the Dolphins. Michael Penix Jr. is recovering from a bone bruise to his left knee. Penix practiced all week but in limited fashion, and Cousins got reps with the first team.
What They're Saying
Penix, asked after Friday's practice if he planned to play: "Yes. That's the plan."
HC Raheem Morris: "[Cousins has] played a lot of football in this league. It gives you a lot of comfort knowing that you have Kirk, a lot of confidence knowing that you have Kirk."
2025 Fantasy Football Impact
The team seemed to expect Penix to be ready coming out of the week's final practice, so this report likely indicates the knee didn't respond well upon a Saturday morning check.
Of course, it also might just be Atlanta reasoning that it can afford to rest its starting QB without harming its chances against an awful Miami defense.
The Dolphins sit 31st in total defensive DVOA: 32nd against the pass and 25th against the run.
We're expecting a run-heavy game plan from Atlanta, regardless of who's behind center. But Cousins could be a deeper streaming-level play if you're in need.
He should certainly be rostered -- and probably started -- in all 2-QB and superflex formats.
The QB switch doesn't alter the outlooks much for Atlanta's other skill-position players.