Skip to main content
Thursday, October 29, 2026Oct 29
Subscribe
All Sections
Search
More

This story is free to read.

Falcons need Kirk Cousins to bounce back in return to Minnesota

AP photo by David Zalubowski / Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, shown during a news conference after the team's 38-6 loss to the host Denver Broncos on Nov. 17, will try to help the team end a three-game losing streak in Sunday's matchup with the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis.
AP photo by David Zalubowski / Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, shown during a news conference after the team's 38-6 loss to the host Denver Broncos on Nov. 17, will try to help the team end a three-game losing streak in Sunday's matchup with the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis. AP photo by David Zalubowski / Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, shown during a news conference after the team's 38-6 loss to the host Denver Broncos on Nov. 17, will try to help the team end a three-game losing streak in Sunday's matchup with the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis.

By CHARLES ODUM / The Associated Press 4 min read

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — This was not the homecoming scenario quarterback Kirk Cousins would have scripted.

The 13th-year pro’s return Sunday to Minnesota, his NFL home from 2018 through 2023, comes as he is hearing speculation about his job security in Atlanta. Cousins has thrown six interceptions with no touchdowns in the Falcons’ three-game losing streak. That includes four picks in last week’s 17-13 home loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, his most in a decade.

“It’s kind of the challenge always in pro football to be able to get back up off the mat and get back going,” Cousins said after Wednesday’s practice.

A vote of confidence from Falcons first-year head coach Raheem Morris can’t silence suggestions that it’s time to give rookie first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. a chance to jump-start a struggling offense. Morris said Sunday he didn’t consider removing Cousins from the game, and he repeated his support for the veteran Wednesday.

“Got to go to Minnesota and get a big-time win, and Kirk’s ready to go,” Morris said before acknowledging Cousins must bounce back from “obviously a tough game.”