Kirk Cousins Reveals Health Struggles Impacted His Performance in 2024 season
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Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins opened up for the first time on Tuesday about how injuries affected his play during the second half of the 2024 NFL season. Speaking on Good Morning Football on the NFL Network, Cousins admitted that a shoulder injury sustained in Week 10 against the New Orleans Saints considerably hindered his performance, ultimately leading to his benching in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr.
“got hit pretty good in my right shoulder and elbow, and from there, it was kind of something I was working through,” Cousins said. “just never really could get it where I wanted it. Now that the season is over, kind of have the time and energy to say, ‘OK, let’s get the shoulder back, let’s get the elbow back.’ If we can do that, feel like I’ve got a new life ahead of me in pro football.”
This revelation contrasts with earlier statements from Cousins, head coach Raheem Morris, and general manager Terry Fontenot, who maintained throughout the season that health was not a factor in his declining performance. Fontenot reiterated after the season, “He was healthy. It was just the play just wasn’t there. It just dropped to the point where we had to make a change. Nobody is happy about that. We’re all disappointed.”
The Turning Point
The Falcons were 6-3 and leading the NFC South by two games heading into Week 10. Cousins was among the league’s top quarterbacks, ranking seventh in expected points added per dropback (.15) and tied for fourth in passing touchdowns (17). However, the saints game marked the beginning of a five-game slide during which Cousins threw nine interceptions and just one touchdown pass. The Falcons eventually lost their division lead to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Despite being listed on the injury report after the saints game, Cousins was never listed again, and both he and Morris insisted he was healthy.“he was healthy. It was just the play just wasn’t there,” Fontenot said.
Looking ahead
The Falcons have made it clear they plan to move forward with Penix as their starting quarterback.While they’ve expressed openness to Cousins returning as a backup, the veteran quarterback doesn’t seem ready to accept that role.
“I definitely feel like I still have a lot of good football left in me,” Cousins said. “Time will tell. we’ll get to March and know a lot more. The focus …is getting healthy. I’m no good to the Falcons,I’m no good to the team if I’m not feeling really good. That’s where my focus has been through January and February … to get my body feeling really good.”
Key Takeaways
| Key Points | Details |
|————————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Injury Revelation | Cousins admitted a shoulder injury in Week 10 impacted his performance. |
| Season Performance | Threw nine interceptions and one touchdown pass in the final five games. |
| Falcons’ Decision | Benched in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. with three games remaining. |
| Future Role | Falcons open to Cousins returning as a backup; Cousins seeks a starting role. |
Cousins’ future remains uncertain as he focuses on recovery and regaining his form. For more insights into what’s next for Cousins and the Falcons, read this in-depth analysis.
As the NFL offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Cousins’ health and his next move. Will he return to the Falcons in a reduced role, or will he seek a fresh start elsewhere? only time will tell.
(Photo: Stephen Maturen / Getty Images)
Kirk Cousins Opens Up About Injury Struggles and Future with the Falcons
atlanta Falcons quarterback kirk Cousins recently revealed the extent to which injuries impacted his performance during the latter half of the 2024 NFL season. In a candid interview on Good Morning Football, Cousins shared how a shoulder injury sustained in Week 10 against the new Orleans Saints significantly hindered his play, leading to his benching in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. As the NFL offseason unfolds, questions remain about Cousins’ future with the Falcons and his ability to return to form. Joining us today is Dr. Mark Harris, a sports medicine expert and analyst, to break down the implications of Cousins’ injury and what lies ahead.
The Injury that Changed Everything
Senior Editor: Dr. Harris, Kirk Cousins admitted that a shoulder injury in Week 10 derailed his performance. Can you explain how such an injury could impact a quarterback’s play?
Dr.Mark Harris: Absolutely. For a quarterback, shoulder and elbow health are critical.These injuries can severely affect arm strength, accuracy, and the ability to throw deep passes. in Cousins’ case, it’s clear that the injury disrupted his rhythm and confidence. When a player is compensating for pain or limited mobility, it often leads to mistakes, which we saw in his nine interceptions in the final five games.It’s a testament to his toughness that he played thru it, but it undoubtedly impacted his performance.
The Falcons’ Decision to Bench Cousins
Senior Editor: The Falcons benched Cousins with three games remaining,opting for rookie Michael Penix Jr. Was this a necessary move, in your opinion?
Dr. Mark Harris: From a performance standpoint, it was a tough but pragmatic decision. Cousins’ struggles were evident, and the Falcons were in a tight race for the NFC South. Turning to Penix, who showed promise, gave the team a spark. However, it’s worth noting that the organization initially downplayed the injury’s role in Cousins’ decline. This decision highlights the fine line teams must walk between loyalty to a veteran and the need to win now, especially when a young quarterback like Penix is waiting in the wings.
Looking Ahead: Cousins’ Future
Senior Editor: Cousins has expressed a desire to continue playing, ideally as a starter. Do you see a scenario where he returns to the Falcons in a backup role, or is a fresh start elsewhere more likely?
Dr. Mark Harris: It’s a complex situation. Cousins is a proven starter when healthy, and his leadership can still add value to a team. Though, with the Falcons committing to Penix as their future, it’s hard to see Cousins accepting a backup role. his focus on recovery is the right approach—if he can regain his pre-injury form, he’ll attract interest from teams in need of a veteran quarterback. A fresh start elsewhere might be the best path for both parties, allowing Cousins to compete for a starting job while the Falcons fully invest in their younger talent.
Key Takeaways
- Injury Revelation: Cousins’ shoulder injury in Week 10 was a turning point in his season, leading to a significant decline in performance.
- Falcons’ Decision: The team’s choice to bench him in favor of Michael Penix Jr. underscored their commitment to developing their rookie quarterback.
- Future Role: While the Falcons are open to cousins returning as a backup, his desire to start elsewhere could shape his next move.
As the offseason progresses, Cousins’ health and decision-making will be closely watched. whether he remains with the falcons or seeks a new prospect, his determination to return to form is a story worth following.
