Kirk Cousins's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (Achilles) was seen jogging lightly and throwing during organized team activities on Tuesday, according to Zach Klein of WSB. The veteran signal-caller tore his Achilles while playing for the Minnesota Vikings roughly six months ago, but this latest update suggests his recovery is going quite well. Reports out of Georgia indicate that Cousins is already forming a firm rapport with his receivers, including Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and Darnell Mooney. As long as Cousins remains on track to play Week 1, he'll enter the 2024 campaign as a fringe top-12 quarterback in fantasy football.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (Achilles) is working his way back from a Week 8 Achilles tear from last season, and reports out of Atlanta suggest he is making great progress. "Kirk is every day improving," Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said. "He's been doing all those things, he's been throwing, he's been out there pretty much full-go. Now, we got him in a limited basis, obviously 'cause he's still in his rehab and his treatment and all those types of things." The 35-year-old signal-caller has not been dropping back behind an offensive line or facing a rush, but he's evidently looked good on his dropbacks and reps with his new wide receiver group. Despite Atlanta selecting Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Cousins remains the clear starter in 2024 as long as he holds up. The four-time Pro Bowler has thrown for at least 4,000 yards seven times in his nine-year career as a starter, while the Falcons have not had a 4,000-yard passer since Matt Ryan in 2020. If Cousins isn't limited by his major injury, he'll remain a fringe QB1 option surrounded by Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Kyle Pitts, Darnell Mooney, and company.

Despite the Atlanta Falcons shockingly taking quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft on Thursday night, veteran QB Kirk Cousins' position as the team's starting signal-caller of the foreseeable future has not changed, according to head coach Raheem Morris. Minnesota signed Cousins to a four-year deal worth up to $180 million, with $100 million guaranteed, in free agency in March. Morris said Cousins doesn't have to look over his shoulder, and that there is no QB controversy at all. Cousins' agent, Mike McCartney, said there was frustration and confusion coming from his camp because the team didn't use their first-round pick to improve the team in 2024. Cousins will be Atlanta's starter in 2024, but perhaps the Falcons are just giving themselves some extra insurance with Cousins coming off an Achilles tear.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (Achilles) said his recovery from a torn right Achilles that he suffering on Oct. 29 (Week 8) has been progressing "up and to the right." He also said that he's "optimistic to be full speed at practice" before the team breaks for summer in June. It's quite the optimistic statement from the 35-year-old veteran, but even if he's not quite full-go at the end of the team's offseason program, Cousins should be able to take part in training camp at the end of July. It's especially important since Cousins will be learning a new offense in Atlanta and trying to gel with his new receivers. The talent surrounding him shouldn't be a problem, as he'll have Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts to work with. Fantasy managers should be more considered about an aging QB coming off a serious injury.

Free-agent quarterback Kirk Cousins (Achilles) is signing a four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons, according to Ari Meirov of the 33rd Team. Cousins is recovering from a torn Achilles that knocked him out of the 2023 season early, but it didn't affect his value on the open market. The four-time Pro Bowler joins a roster with several young rising weapons, including running back Bijan Robinson, tight end Kyle Pitts, and receiver Drake London. He has passed for at least 4,000 yards in seven NFL seasons, so he should provide a nice value boost for his new supporting cast. The move means the Minnesota Vikings will be in search of a new starting quarterback, while the Falcons are likely to become the clear favorites in the weak NFC South.