Kirk Cousins set for Falcons axe with Michael Penix Jr in line to replace $180m recruit as starting QB The Atlanta Falcons have made a major roster change - deciding to bench starting quarterback Kirk Cousins in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr., according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
With Atlanta in the midst of a playoff hunt - currently one game out of the lead for the NFC South - first-year head coach Raheem Morris has decided to hand the reigns over to the rookie out of the University of Washington.
With cries from the fanbase to make a change, Morris pulled the trigger and will now start Penix when the Falcons host the New York Giants this week.
Cousins currently ranks seventh in the NFL in passing yards (3,508) and 13th in completion percentage.
But his touchdown-to-interception ratio of 18-16 ranks horribly compared to other NFL starters, especially when it comes to teams in playoff contention.
