The Atlanta Falcons shocked the football world with two major moves this offseason. For starters, they ended up signing veteran QB Kirk Cousins via free agency. Not long after that, Atlanta ended up selecting QB Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

While Cousins is projected to be the starting quarterback, the Falcons now have a very notable backup. Last season, Cousins suffered a brutal torn Achilles injury. That is why the update provided on Cousins’ health this morning is so crucial.

Kirk Cousins Medically Cleared by Team

Earlier this morning, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported on the status of Falcons QB Kirk Cousins. In Schefter’s report, he revealed that Falcons HC Raheem Morris confirmed that Cousins has been medically cleared to play. With that said, Morris revealed that the team is going to be cautious with Cousins. He will do this by giving Kirk Cousins “modified reps” until he is fully healthy.

Last Chance for Kirk Cousins?

Something important to keep in mind is just how old Cousins was when he suffered the torn Achilles injury mentioned above. He is about to be 36 years old in August. As football fans know, a torn Achilles injury has a lengthy recovery process.

However, there is one thing that Falcons fans should be encouraged by. That is how Cousins was playing last season before suffering a horrific torn Achilles injury. In eight games with the Minnesota Vikings, Cousins had 2,331 passing yards and 18 touchdown passes. If he kept up that pace in the second half of the season, he would have led the NFL in both categories.

Atlanta Falcons Moving Forward

After having a disappointing 2023 season where the Atlanta Falcons ended up missing the playoffs, the team is now hoping their quarterback acquisition is enough to at least secure them the NFC South division. With that division projected to be on the weaker side again in 2024, it certainly seems to be there for the taking.

However, if Cousins does suffer a setback during training camp, the Falcons are prepared. They drafted Penix, who made an appearance in the college football national championship game last season with the Washington Huskies. That run helped Penix raise his draft stock and end up being the eighth overall pick. Now, we will have to see if his services end up being needed this season.