Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Falcons Elevate QB to Back up Kirk Cousins After Michael Penix Jr. Injury

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paul White | Last updated Oct 26, 2025 8:30 AM ET

The Falcons have found themselves in a quarterback quandary over the last couple seasons.
Kirk Cousins will be starting for the first time this year after an injury to Michael Penix Jr.
Atlanta elevated Easton Stick to serve as the backup quarterback.

The Atlanta Falcons have one of the most confusing quarterback situations in the NFL right now, and it probably won’t be cleared up anytime soon.

They brought in veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins last year on a massive four-year, $180 million deal and then made the stunning decision to draft his replacement just a month later during the draft.

Cousins would begin that season as the starter, but would eventually lose the job to Michael Penix Jr. after a brutal mid-season slump.

The Washington product has been firmly in control of the starting position ever since, but he suffered a knee injury last week against the San Francisco 49ers, knocking him out of today’s matchup with the Miami Dolphins and further complicating the quarterback situation.

Jul 29, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) shown next to quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) during practice at training camp at IBM Performance Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

To ensure they have enough depth at the position, the Falcons elevated veteran signal caller Easton Stick from the practice squad, who will serve as the backup to Cousins.

Falcons placed LB Divine Deablo on injured reserve due to his fractured forearm.

They also elevated QB Easton Stick to the active roster for Sunday’s game to back up Kirk Cousins.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 25, 2025

Stick has some experience in the league, but playing him is probably the last resort for Atlanta as he has only played in six career games.

They are 3-3 this season and could be much better if it wasn’t for the underwhelming offense that Penix Jr. has led up to this point.

He has thrown for less than 200 yards twice this season and the team has scored 10 points or less the same number of times.

Obviously, the Falcons hope Cousins looks great today so they can pick up another win and get above .500, but a great showing also has the potential to divide the locker room and fanbase.

This isn’t an enviable position for any team to be in, so hopefully Atlanta receives some clarity on the situation in the near future.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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