Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris announced that rookie Michael Penix Jr. will be the Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback moving forward, benching QB Kirk Cousins — who signed a $180 million contract last off-season. The Falcons have 7-7 record this season.

Morris said in a statement released by the team: “After review we have made the decision Michael Penix will be the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback moving forward. This was a football decision and we are fully focused on preparing the team for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.”

Penix, 24, led the nation with 4,903 passing yards in 2023-24, bringing the Huskies to the national title game. The Heisman Trophy runner-up finished third with 36 touchdown passes, and also totaled the second-most passing yards (4,641) in 2022-23. Penix completed 3 of 5 passes for 38 yards in two games through the first 15 weeks of his first NFL season.

Cousins – – a four-time Pro Bowl selection – completed 66.9% of his throws for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns and a career- and league-high 16 interceptions through his first 14 starts this season. Through his first 164 career appearances, Cousins threw 288 touchdown passes and 126 interceptions; and in eight starts last season for the Minnesota Vikings, Cousins, 36, completed 69.5% of his throws for 2,331 yards, 18 scores and five interceptions.

The Falcons will host the Giants (2-12) at 1 p.m. EST Sunday in Atlanta, and will face the Washington Commanders and Carolina Panthers over the final two weeks of the NFL regular season.

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