Kirk Cousins was present at the Atlanta Falcons’ mandatory minicamp, confirmed by head coach Raheem Morris before the team’s first open practice. Reports from The Athletic’s Dianna Russini had indicated that Cousins would face fines for any missed days of minicamp.
Raheem Morris mentioned having a conversation with Cousins during a team meeting, noting that Cousins sat in the front row. “I actually got a chance to speak with Kirk Cousins because he sits right in the front row so I saw him when he came in,” Morris said.
The situation marks another chapter in Cousins’ offseason saga after Michael Penix Jr. was chosen as the starting quarterback late last season. Despite this decision, Falcons leadership has maintained their position on keeping Cousins as Penix’s backup.
During the Annual League Meetings, both Morris and owner Arthur Blank discussed their conversations with Cousins, who expressed his desire to become a starter again through a potential trade. “If we get a call, we’ll discuss it,” general manager Terry Fontenot stated before the 2025 NFL Draft. “If it makes sense and it’s going to help this team, we’ll do it.”
Cousins reported for voluntary offseason training programs but was absent from open practices until now. His presence at mandatory minicamp is his first public appearance on the field since last season ended.
Questions have arisen about how Cousins’ involvement might affect Penix. However, Morris downplayed any concerns: “I’m really comfortable with Kirk because of who he is… He’s going to go out and do whatever it takes for us to help this football team as long as he’s with us.”
Morris also expressed confidence in Penix’s ability to handle the situation due to his even-keeled nature and praised Cousins for his professionalism: “Kirk is not in the business of disrupting Michael Penix,” Morris said.
