ESPN's Chris Russo absolutely crushed Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot for how they handled quarterback Kirk Cousins's injury at the end of the season.

The Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr. and signed Kirk Cousins last year. Terry Fontenot was asked if his time with the Saints influenced the decision:

The Falcons were unaware that QB Kirk Cousins was dealing with an injury late last season beyond a single injury report. Cousins, who had hurt his right shoulder and right elbow in Week 10, is expected to remain QB 2 in 2025.

Falcons GM Terry Fontenot and coach Raheem Morris will be in Indianapolis this week for the NFL combine as they look to improve the roster.

Over his final five starts, Cousins threw only one touchdown and nine interceptions while the Falcons went just 1-4. He later said he suffered right elbow and right shoulder injur

Fontenot said Tuesday at the NFL combine in Indianapolis that Cousins is still the Falcons' backup amid talks of a potential trade or release when free agency opens March 12.

For the fourth year in a row, the Atlanta Falcons will enter the season with a different starting quarterback. Michael Penix Jr. took over for Kirk Cousins in Week 16 of the 2024 season and the team isn't looking back.

The Falcons may not trade Kirk Cousins this offseason for financial reasons, which could lead to the quarterback being cut.

Cousins and the Falcons got off to a good start last season, but poor play and injury issues revealed after the fact slowed the quarterback down along with Atlanta's offense. Eventually the Falcons benched Cousins in favor of Penix, but it was too late to make the playoffs.

The Atlanta Falcons were initially praised for signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract during the 2024 offseason, but that move has not aged well. Cousins never looked fully healthy and eventually lost his job due to poor performance.