Former MN Vikings Quarterback Expected Back Under Center

The Minnesota Vikings have made some significant decisions at the quarterback position in recent seasons. This offseason they opted to turn things over to J.J. McCarthy. Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones both left for other opportunities.

Before Darnold and Jones, it was Kirk Cousins. After six seasons with the Vikings, Cousins opted to chase the bag with the Atlanta Falcons. He didn’t last long before coming the league’s most expensive backup, but that is expected to change on Sunday.

Kirk Cousins to start for Atlanta Falcons

After signing with the Atlanta Falcons, the team almost immediately drafted his replacement in the form of Michael Penix. Cousins played just 14 games last season before Penix took over. Now dealing with a knee injury, Penix is expected to be unavailable with Cousins taking over.

ESPN Sources: Falcons QB Kirk Cousins is “highly likely” to start Sunday’s game vs. the Dolphins as Michael Penix recovers from a bone bruise to his knee.

Penix was limited at practice all week and Cousins worked with the first-team offense, gearing up to start Sunday. pic.twitter.com/790BrBoTBe

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 25, 2025

Penix and the Falcons beat the Minnesota Vikings earlier this season. The 22-6 victory at U.S. Bank Stadium spoiled Minnesota’s home opener. With Penix, the Falcons are 3-3 and coming off a loss against the San Francisco 49ers.

Cousins has appeared in one game for Atlanta this season, completing 5-of-7 passes for 29 yards. Last season he led the league with 16 interceptions despite not playing the final three games of the season.

When Cousins takes the field for the Falcons, it will be his first start since December 16, 2024. It should be a relatively soft landing spot for Cousins as well considering the Dolphins 1-6 record.

It is for situations like this that Atlanta has been hesitant to deal Cousins. He gives them arguably the highest quality backup in the league and shouldn’t generate much of a dropoff in the place of Penix. Of course, that hasn’t stopped recent trade rumors suggesting Cousins would be a fit for the Vikings and their current quarterback issues.

Minnesota is expected to turn back to J.J. McCarthy for Week 9 assuming he is fully healthy.