Tag: falcons news

Kyle Pitts has four-word response to Falcons benching Kirk Cousins

Kyle Pitts has four-word response to Falcons’ latest quarterback change

“I just work here,” Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts said in response to Atlanta’s latest quarterback change. The immensely talented former top-five pick has been through his share of signal-callers since being drafted in 2021.

Pitts, 24, began his NFL career with Matt Ryan under center before Marcus Mariota took over in 2022. In 2023, Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke played musical chairs with the starting quarterback job under Arthur Smith.

After that failed experiment, the Falcons signed quarterback Kirk Cousins during the 2024 offseason and drafted Michael Penix Jr. in the first round. Cousins was expected to solidify the position while Penix developed for the future.

However, plans changed when Cousins hit arguably the worst four-game stretch of his career to begin the second half of the season. Since Week 10, the veteran QB has thrown for nine interceptions and just one touchdown.

Head coach Raheem Morris needed to stop the bleeding and benched Cousins for Penix after the team’s Monday night win over the Las Vegas Raiders.

Penix will be the sixth quarterback Pitts has played with in his four NFL seasons, so it’s easy to understand why the tight end is apprehensive to say anything drastic.

“I didn’t think it would have happened this early or now,” said Pitts on the latest quarterback change. “Also, I just work here.”

Pitts has 40 receptions for 536 receiving yards and three touchdowns this season. Although he hasn’t had a ton of reps with Penix, the former Florida Gator was asked which traits could make the rookie successful in his first NFL start against the New York Giants.

“He’s very mature,” Pitts said of Penix. “And he’s played a lot of ball.”

The Falcons hope that experience translates into a win when the Penix era officially begins this Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

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Falcons injury report: Latest updates on Drake London, Lorenzo Carter

Falcons injury report: Drake London limited at Friday’s practice

The Atlanta Falcons have released their final injury report ahead of this weekend’s game against the New York Giants. Wide receiver Casey Washington has been ruled out for Week 16 due to a concussion.

Two other Falcons — linebacker Lorenzo Carter and wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge —  are officially questionable for Sunday’s game in Atlanta.

Falcons wide receiver Drake London was limited during Friday’s practice due to a knee injury but did not receive an official injury designation.

Falcons Week 16 injury report

Player Injury Wed Thu Fri Status
Darnell Mooney Rest LP LP  —
KhaDarel Hodge Ribs LP DNP LP QUEST.
Ross Dwelley Ankle LP LP FP
Charlie Woerner Quad LP LP DNP
Zach Harrison Rest LP LP   —
Kaleb McGary Elbow FP FP FP
Casey Washington Concussion DNP DNP LP OUT
Demone Harris Illness DNP FP FP
Nate Landman Rest   — LP   —
Lorenzo Carter Groin   — LP LP QUEST.
Richie Grant Illness   — LP FP
Chris Lindstrom Rest   — LP  —
Ruke Orhorhoro Rest   — LP  —
Drake London Knee   —   — LP

The Falcons and Giants will kick things off at 1 p.m. ET inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It will be the first career start for rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who replaced Kirk Cousins as the team’s starter.

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Falcons OC Zac Robinson says staff ‘felt strongly’ about QB change

Falcons OC Zac Robinson says the coaching staff “felt strongly” about starting Michael Penix Jr. over Kirk Cousins

It’s never easy to bench an NFL quarterback, but it’s especially tough when that player has a $180 million contract. Nonetheless, the Atlanta Falcons decided to sit Kirk Cousins down and give rookie Michael Penix Jr. a chance to right the ship.

Cousins has been held to one touchdown pass over the last five games while throwing nine interceptions. Atlanta has lost four out of five games and the team nearly blew Monday night’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders, which appeared to be the final straw for Cousins.

The Falcons officially made the switch on Tuesday night and will start Penix for the final three weeks of the season.

“It was a tough decision but we all felt strongly one way about it,” said Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson in a press conference on Thursday.

Robinson praised Cousins for his contributions over the first 14 weeks but indicated the quarterback’s turnovers were the deciding factor.

“Obviously, Kirk has done a lot of great things here,” said Robinson. “He’s got us to this position. We’re sitting at 7-7 because of Kirk and he’s played a lot of good football. He’d be the first to tell you the turnovers over the past handful of weeks have been tough. There’s things that have been a little bit out of his character for what he’s shown in his career and just felt like at this time, Mike gave us the best chance to win going forward.”

Robinson said the playbook would not be restricted for the rookie’s first start and that Penix’s skill set can add some things to Atlanta’s offense.

“Mike’s got some different skill sets that you can activate as well,” said Robinson. “Whatever he’s done at Washington and what we’ve seen out on the practice field, how it fits within our offense, we’ll definitely activate that this week.”

The Falcons host the New York Giants this weekend at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Check out the team’s updated depth chart and injury report for Week 16.

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Falcons reveal uniforms for Week 16 matchup vs. New York Giants

Falcons vs Giants: Atlanta to wear throwback uniforms in Week 16 matchup

The Atlanta Falcons (7-7) will be dressed in their Sunday best for Michael Penix Jr.’s first NFL start this weekend at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. With the New York Giants (2-12) coming to town, the Falcons are busting out their throwback uniform with the iconic red helmets.

Sunday’s contest is essentially a must-win game for Atlanta as the team fights to stay in the postseason race. The Falcons snapped a four-game losing streak on “Monday Night Football” but Kirk Cousins’ play was underwhelming for the fifth week in a row.

On Monday, head coach Raheem Morris officially benched Cousins for Penix. Now the team’s fate is in the rookie’s hands with three games left to play.

The Falcons have back-to-back games coming up against NFC East opponents. After playing the Giants in Week 16, Atlanta will battle Dan Quinn’s Washington Commanders on “Sunday Night Football” in Week 17.

It will also be a prime-time showcase of two first-round quarterbacks in Penix and Commanders rookie Jayden Daniels. However, the Falcons cannot afford to overlook New York.

Sunday’s game against the Giants starts at 1 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

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Atlanta Falcons list 13 players on Thursday injury report

Atlanta Falcons list 13 players, including Darnell Mooney and Lorenzo Carter, on Thursday’s injury report

The Atlanta Falcons have listed 13 players, including wide receiver Darnell Mooney and defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro, on their latest injury report ahead of this weekend’s game against the New York Giants.

Wide receivers Casey Washington and KhaDarel Hodge did not participate and nine others were limited on Thursday. Five players, including guard Chris Lindstrom and defensive lineman Zach Harrison, were limited due to rest.

Defensive lineman Demone Harris (illness) was a full participant on Thursday after sitting out of Wednesday’s practice.

Falcons Week 16 injury report

Player Injury Wed Thu Fri Status
Darnell Mooney Rest LP LP
KhaDarel Hodge Ribs LP DNP
Ross Dwelley Ankle LP LP
Charlie Woerner Quad LP LP
Zach Harrison Rest LP LP
Kaleb McGary Elbow FP FP
Casey Washington Concussion DNP DNP
Demone Harris Illness DNP FP
Nate Landman Rest   — LP
Lorenzo Carter Groin   — LP
Richie Grant Illness   — LP
Chris Lindstrom Rest   — LP
Ruke Orhorhoro Rest   — LP

The Falcons and Giants will kick things off at 1 p.m. ET inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It will be the first career start for rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. who was named the starter over Kirk Cousins on Tuesday.

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Falcons QB Kirk Cousins discusses benching, NFL future

Falcons QB Kirk Cousins on benching: “I didn’t forget how to play quarterback”

Even though things haven’t gone his way lately, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins continues to show up and face the music. Despite being benched on Tuesday, Cousins didn’t vanish from the team or suddenly need a mysterious surgery.

The veteran quarterback met with the media on Wednesday afternoon to discuss losing his job and his future in the NFL.

“It’s pro football and there’s a standard that I have for myself and the organization has for me, and I wasn’t playing up to that standard,” said Cousins, per team reporter Tori McElhaney.

The Falcons made the switch to rookie Michael Penix Jr. after an underwhelming five-game stretch by Cousins. The 36-year-old has thrown for one touchdown and nine interceptions since Week 10.

Atlanta was able to defeat the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 15, but Cousins didn’t play well. Going forward, there’s sure to be another team that will have some interest in the Falcons No. 2 QB. For now, though, Cousins will focus on backing up Penix and worry about the future down the line.

“I didn’t forget how to play quarterback,” Cousins responded when asked about what the future holds.

For the season, Cousins has passed for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions for a passer rating of 88.6. Penix has appeared in two games in relief of Cousins, completing three of five pass attempts for 38 yards.

The rookie will make his first NFL start this weekend against the New York Giants at home. Sunday’s game starts at 1 p.m. ET inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

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Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on QB change, injury news

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on QB change, latest injury updates

On Tuesday night, Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris officially made the quarterback change fans have been waiting for. Rookie Michael Penix Jr. will take over for veteran Kirk Cousins starting in Week 16.

Cousins has struggled over the last five games and Morris felt it was time for a change. The Falcons head coach held a press conference on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the decision to bench Cousins and the latest injury news.

“Obviously, anytime you take a step down, a demotion, or whatever the case may be, it’s not gonna be met with great appreciation and all those things, but Kirk was a professional,” said Morris. “He’s a pro. He’s a man. He’s a great human. He’s a great father. He’s a great football player. He’s done a lot of great things for us this year. He handled it with class.”

Morris expressed confidence in Penix taking over, saying the rookie has stayed ready each week. He also confirmed that Cousins would remain the No. 2 QB going forward.

“Michael’s been the No. 2, you know, one snap away all year,” said Morris. “He’s been grinding away, learning from Kirk, being around his coaches, being ready to go, knowing that every play could be the last snap for anybody.”

Watch Morris’ press conference live below:

Sunday’s game kicks off at 1 p.m. ET inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Check back at 4 p.m. ET for the team’s first official injury report of Week 16.

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Falcons WR KhaDarel Hodge wins NFC special teams award

Falcons WR KhaDarel Hodge wins NFC Special Teams Player of the Week

The Atlanta Falcons may have saved their season by defeating the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night. It was an uncomfortably close matchup and if not for a dominant special teams effort, the Falcons could have easily lost their fifth game in a row.

Wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge was arguably the difference-maker in Week 15, recording two blocked punts in Atlanta’s 15-9 victory. Hodge, who has been unafraid to do the dirty work all season long, was awarded NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his efforts.

Hodge, 29, has five catches for 98 yards and a touchdown this season. The veteran wideout sealed the team’s Week 5 win over the Buccaneers with a 45-yard touchdown catch in overtime.

Perhaps with Michael Penix Jr. taking over at quarterback, Hodge will get more looks on offense over the final three weeks of the season.

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Atlanta Falcons place Younghoe Koo on IR, sign kicker to roster

Atlanta Falcons place Younghoe Koo on IR, sign kicker Riley Patterson off Browns’ practice squad

According to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Atlanta Falcons have placed kicker Younghoe Koo on the injured reserve list and signed Riley Patterson off the Cleveland Browns practice squad.

Head coach Raheem Morris said Koo was dealing with an injury that caused him to miss a field goal in Monday night’s 15-9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.

Koo started the season hot but hit a rough patch a few weeks ago. The veteran kicker has converted on 25 of 34 field goal attempts and is a perfect 26-for-26 on extra points.

Patterson was previously signed to Atlanta’s practice squad during Week 13 but released a few days after the team’s loss to the Chargers. He has appeared in 40 career games for four different teams. The 25-year-old has converted on 58 of 67 career field goal attempts and 97 of 101 extra point attempts.

The Falcons have also released kicker Tanner Brown from the practice squad, the team announced on Wednesday afternoon.

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What did NFL scouts say about Michael Penix Jr. before the draft?

What did NFL scouting reports say about Michael Penix Jr. before the draft?

Falcons rookie Michael Penix Jr. has patiently waited for his opportunity while the other quarterbacks in this year’s draft class have received all the headlines this season.

Now that Atlanta has pulled the plug on a struggling Kirk Cousins, Penix will finally get to show what he can do over the final three weeks and potentially the playoffs. He will make his first NFL start against the New York Giants in Week 16.

So what are the Falcons getting in Penix? He’s only appeared briefly in two games this season, completing three of five pass attempts for 38 yards. During his two seasons at Washington, Penix passed for 9,544 yards, 67 touchdowns and 19 interceptions.

To get a better idea of what to expect, let’s look at what a few NFL scouting reports said about Penix before the draft.

NFL.com:

Penix has exceptional arm strength and toughness. He has a unique, whippy, three-quarters delivery from the left side, and the ball explodes out of his hand. He can hang on his back foot and effortlessly drive the ball 55 yards. He excels driving throws outside and tosses a beautiful, lofting deep ball. He does have issues getting throws up and down in the middle of the field. His ball can stay flat. He is quick to process and consistently gets to No. 3 in the route progression. — NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah

Pro Football Focus:

Penix has an NFL-level arm talent in addition to two years of good health and top-tier production in a spread-out shotgun offense. However, to become a consistent starter and top-15 quarterback in the league, he will need to clean up his footwork, throw with more anticipation and touch (which will improve ball placement), as well as be willing to attack the middle of the field. — PFF

Bleacher Report:

Michael Penix Jr. is a stationary pocket passer with a live arm and a penchant for pushing the ball down the field. Everything with Penix’s game starts and ends with arm strength. The ball explodes out of his hand. He can bomb it 60 yards down the field with the flick of the wrist, as well as attack tight windows to the intermediate range. Penix is at his most accurate down the field as well. — Bleacher Report scouting department

Draft Wire:

With his experience, Penix has become one of the best processors in his class and understands what opposing defenses are attempting to do on defense and can create the optimal audible or adjustment within a play call. Tight window throws in the middle field are little trouble, given his laser-like throws, and Penix will be able to play in a variety of offenses. — Draft Wire’s Natalie Miller

The Falcons will face the Washington Commanders in Week 17, giving Penix the chance to play against rookie sensation Jayden Daniels. The NFL flexed this game into its Sunday night slot, so Penix won’t have to wait long to make his prime-time debut.

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