Cousins 'highly likely' to start against the Dolphins

D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Oct 25, 2025

Published in Football

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FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. suffered a bone bruise in his left knee last week's loss to the San Francisco 49ers and might not start in the tomorrow's game against the Miami Dolphins.

The Falcons (3-3) are set to host the Dolphins (1-6) at 1 p.m. ET Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

ESPN reported Saturday through an unidentified source that backup Kirk Cousins was “highly likely” to start the game. A person familiar with the decision-making process told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that Penix would get every opportunity to show he can play, but that it was indeed “very likely” that Cousins would start.

“Kirk has taken a significant amount of (the first-team reps),” coach Raheem Morris said Friday. “I don’t know what the exact percentage is … (Penix) took a lot early. Kirk has taken a lot late (in the practice week).”

Cousins took more of the reps later in the practice week. Morris said Friday that he’ll make his decision on game day about who will start.

Morris continued to play Cousins last season after he was hurt. He might not want to play Penix while he’s injured.

“The kid is tough,” Morris said. “He’s a guy. He’s a stud. So, I don’t know how I feel about if he’s going to be able to go or not. But I’ll give him all the way up (to game time).”

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