The Atlanta Falcons will start rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. over veteran Kirk Cousins for the rest of the season, the team announced Tuesday.
“After review we have made the decision Michael Penix will be the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback moving forward,” head coach Raheem Morris said in a statement. “This was a football decision and we are fully focused on preparing the team for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.”
At 7-7, Atlanta is two games out of the final NFC wild-card spot.
After having begun the season 6-3, the Falcons have lost four of their last five games. Over that stretch, Cousins has nine interceptions and only one touchdown. He leads the NFL with 16 interceptions and is tied for the league lead with 12 fumbles.
Cousins’ QBR of 52.7 ranks 22nd in the NFL.
Atlanta signed Cousins, 36, to a four-year, $180 million contract this offseason with $90 million guaranteed. A former starter in Washington and Minnesota, Cousins has made four Pro Bowl appearances.
Penix, a first-round selection out of Washington, threw 36 touchdowns with 11 interceptions as a senior. He led the nation in both passing yards (4,903) and yards per game (326.9) as a senior.
He has appeared in two games with the Falcons, completing three of five passes for 38 yards.
Atlanta has three regular-season games left: at home against the New York Giants, at the Washington Commanders and at home against the Carolina Panthers.