Falcons name rookie Michael Penix Jr. as starting QB, benching veteran Kirk Cousins

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. heads off the field after an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. walks off the field after an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) greets Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder (10) after an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins recovers a bad snap during the second half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) throws against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. heads off the field after an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

ATLANTA – The Atlanta Falcons are turning to rookie Michael Penix Jr. as their starting quarterback and benching veteran Kirk Cousins as they fight for their first playoff berth since 2017.

Coach Raheem Morris announced the decision in a statement Tuesday night.

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

The Falcons (7-7) ended a four-game losing streak with Sunday’s ugly 15-9 win at Las Vegas. Cousins passed for 112 yards with one touchdown and one interception. The 36-year-old has one TD pass and nine picks in his past five games.

Atlanta signed Cousins to a four-year contract in the offseason with $100 million guaranteed before selecting Penix No. 8 overall in the NFL draft.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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