Where's Kirk Cousins? Why new Falcons QB won't play in preseason after last season's Achilles injury

The Falcons had one of the more notable yet confusing offseasons in the NFL.

Atlanta signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year deal worth $180 million just weeks before drafting QB Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick. It created a crowded QB room, though there doesn't seem to be much of a competition there.

Cousins will be the starting quarterback, which is understandable after Atlanta handed him that contract . The only obstacle is Cousins' recovery timeline.

The veteran quarterback, who will turn 36 on Aug. 19, is recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in Week 8 of the 2023 season. Given his age and the severity of the injury, there's still questions about his availability for the upcoming season.

Here's a rundown on Cousins' injury status and whether he'll see time in the preseason.

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Kirk Cousins latest injury news: Will Falcons QB play in preseason?

Cousins won't play in the preseason as he continues to recover from his torn Achilles suffered in 2023.

It's not a shocking revelation whatsoever as veteran players don't typically play much in the preseason anyway. The fact he's recovering from an injury makes it even less likely he'd see the field.

He didn't play in the team's first preseason game against the Dolphins and likely won't for the other two. It gives Penix more of an opportunity to showcase his talent, hopefully proving he's the franchise's future quarterback.

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The rookie QB completed 9-of-16 passes for 104 yards in his preseason debut. Taylor Heinicke also saw time and is likely to fill in either as the backup or third string for the 2024 season.

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Will Kirk Cousins be ready for Week 1 of the regular season?

Cousins is expected to be ready for the start of the 2024 regular season. He revealed his status in a sideline interview during the Falcons vs. Dolphins preseason game.

"I'll be ready to go Week 1," Cousins said . "I've been going full speed now for all of camp, just getting better every week."

The veteran quarterback is the expected Week 1 starter for the Falcons when they face the Steelers on Sunday, Sept. 8. He's been sidelined with his Achilles injury since Week 8 of the 2023 season.