Why Michael Penix Jr.'s injury is the perfect opportunity for Kirk Cousins to start for the Falcons originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Atlanta Falcons are expected to start Kirk Cousins at quarterback in Week 8 vs. the Miami Dolphins, CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones reports, while Michael Penix Jr. remains sidelined with a bone bruise in his knee. It would be the veteran signal-caller's first start in more than 10 months since his benching.

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.

A left knee bruise will likely leave Michael Penix Jr. on the sidelines when the Falcons take on the Dolphins, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Kirk Cousins is "highly likely" to be the Falcons' starting quarterback against the Dolphins, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter, as Michael Penix Jr. deals with a bone bruise in his left knee.

With Penix Jr. nursing a bone bruise in his left knee, a decision on the starter won't officially be made until Sunday.

The Atlanta Falcons are likely to start Kirk Cousins in Sunday's home game against the Miami Dolphins with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. dealing with a bone bruise in his knee

The Atlanta Falcons appear to be close to a decision on Michael Penix Jr.'s injury status, weighing their options with Kirk Cousins.

The Falcons are set to turn to backup quarterback Kirk Cousins on Sunday as starter Michael Penix Jr. deals with a knee injury. Although Penix is officially listed as questionable, Cousins is "highly likely" to be the Falcons' starting quarterback Sunday against the Dolphins,

The Atlanta Falcons could be in trouble this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. A few days ago, the Falcons placed starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. on their Week 8 injury report. He suffered a knee injury last Sunday night against the San Francisco 49ers.