Fans reacted on X after the Atlanta Falcons thrust veteran Kirk Cousins back into the starting role. The move came after Michael Penix Jr. was diagnosed with a knee injury expected to sideline him for the remainder of the season.
The Falcons (3-7) are third in the NFC South and have lost five consecutive games.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Monday that Penix “suffered a potentially season-ending knee injury during Sunday’s loss to the Panthers.” He is seeking further medical evaluation.
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“Hard to find a more disastrous season based on expectations,” one fan wrote.
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“And people wonder why the Falcons didn’t wanna eat millions of dollars to trade Kirk and downgrade their backup QB position,” another fan wrote.
“I have more faith in me learning fluent Japanese than I do ever again feeling any hope for this franchise. What a disaster,” a fan said.
Here are more fan reactions.
“Falcons are COOKED,” one fan commented.
“This really sucks,” a fan tweeted.
“NOOOOO,” another fan commented.
Atlanta opened the season 3-2 before its losing streak, defined by late-game breakdowns. Penix exited the 30-27 overtime defeat to Carolina in the third quarter. Cousins replaced him and completed 6 of 14 passes for 48 yards. He was unable to generate a scoring possession during the closing minutes or the extra period.
Kirk Cousins receives unexpected opportunity amid roster uncertainty
Michael Penix Jr.‘s injury gives Kirk Cousins a chance to showcase his value over the season’s final seven games. His contract includes $45 million in compensation next year, along with a $10 million roster bonus due in March. It places pressure on the Falcons front office to determine whether he remains part of the organization.
Cousins owns a no-trade clause, but Atlanta could face a decision to release him and absorb $35 million in dead cap space. The franchise could also explore trade options if another team shows interest at a salary level that offsets the bonus.
Cousins has played twice this season, including a start on Oct. 26, when he went 21-for-31 for 173 yards in the 34-10 loss to Miami. His performance on Sunday averaged just 3.4 yards per attempt, offering little spark to an offense already struggling to score.
Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez
