ATLANTA FALCONS 8-9 · 3RD IN NFC SOUTH
8-9 · 3RD IN NFC SOUTH
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Riley Patterson - Stepping in as new kicker The Falcons will sign Patterson off the Browns' practice squad Wednesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Impact With Atlanta set to place Younghoe Koo (undisclosed) on injured reserve in a corresponding move, Patterson is poised to serve as the Falcons' kicker for the final three games of the regular season. Patterson has bounced around between five different organizations in 2024, having spent time in training camp with the Jaguars and Commanders before making his season debut in Week 9, when the Jets signed him as a one-week replacement for Greg Zuerlein (knee). Patterson then landed with Atlanta's practice squad before getting cut earlier in December and catching on with the Browns, who elevated him from their practice squad last week to replace the struggling Dustin Hopkins as their kicker in a 21-7 loss to the Chiefs. With the Browns having since reaffirmed their commitment to Hopkins, Patterson will head back to Atlanta and will make his third appearance of the season this Sunday against the Giants.
DECEMBER 18, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Younghoe Koo - Headed for IR The Falcons are expected to place Koo on injured reserve this week after he suffered an undisclosed injury in Monday's 15-9 win over the Raiders, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network report...
Impact The nature of Koo's injury likely won't be revealed until Atlanta releases its first Week 16 injury report later Wednesday, but his expected move to injured reserve means that he'll miss the final three games of the regular season plus the wild-card round of the playoffs, should the Falcons clinch a spot in the postseason. With Koo set to go on IR, the Falcons plan to sign Riley Patterson off the Browns' practice squad to handle kicking duties. The 30-year-old Koo knocked down at least 86 percent of his field-goal tries in each of his first five seasons in Atlanta but has seen his efficiency take a hit in 2024, converting on only 25 of 34 attempts (73.5 percent).
DECEMBER 18, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Younghoe Koo - Headed for IR The Falcons are expected to place Koo on injured reserve this week after he suffered an undisclosed injury in Monday's 15-9 win over the Raiders, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network report...
Impact The nature of Koo's injury likely won't be revealed until Atlanta releases its first Week 16 injury report later Wednesday, but his expected move to injured reserve means that he'll miss the final three games of the regular season plus the wild-card round of the playoffs, should the Falcons clinch a spot in the postseason. With Koo set to go on IR, the Falcons plan to sign Riley Patterson off the Browns' practice squad to handle kicking duties. The 30-year-old Koo knocked down at least 86 percent of his field-goal tries in each of his first five seasons in Atlanta but has seen his efficiency take a hit in 2024, converting on only 25 of 34 attempts (73.5 percent).
DECEMBER 18, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Falcons bench Kirk Cousins for Michael Penix Jr. | The Facility

Falcons bench Kirk Cousins for Michael Penix Jr. | The Facility
DECEMBER 18, 2024 • FOX SPORTS
Ray-Ray McCloud - One grab in win McCloud caught one of three targets for 14 yards in Monday's 15-9 win over the Raiders.
Impact McCloud could not get much going in Week 15 as the Falcons' passing attack continued to struggle with quarterback Kirk Cousins at the helm. Monday's game marked the first contest in which the veteran wideout failed to record multiple catches this season. McCloud will look to bounce back in a Week 16 matchup against the Giants, but he'll be receiving targets from Michael Penix after the Falcons announced Tuesday that the rookie will be the team's starting quarterback moving forward.
DECEMBER 18, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Ray-Ray McCloud - One grab in win McCloud caught one of three targets for 14 yards in Monday's 15-9 win over the Raiders.
Impact McCloud could not get much going in Week 15 as the Falcons' passing attack continued to struggle with quarterback Kirk Cousins at the helm. Monday's game marked the first contest in which the veteran wideout failed to record multiple catches this season. McCloud will look to bounce back in a Week 16 matchup against the Giants, but he'll be receiving targets from Michael Penix after the Falcons announced Tuesday that the rookie will be the team's starting quarterback moving forward.
DECEMBER 18, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Darnell Mooney - No catches in Week 15 Mooney failed to secure his lone target in Monday's 15-9 win over the Raiders.
Impact Mooney was a complete non-factor in Week 15 despite playing 91 percent of Atlanta's offensive snaps against the Raiders. Monday's game marked the first time in which the veteran wideout failed to record a single reception in a contest this season. The Falcons' passing attack has continued to struggle with Kirk Cousins under center, as he completed just 11 of 17 passes in the game. Mooney will look to bounce back in Week 16 against the vulnerable Giants secondary, though he'll be on the receiving end of passes from rookie signal caller Michael Penix, as the Falcons announced Tuesday that Penix will be the team's starting quarterback moving forward.
DECEMBER 18, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Darnell Mooney - No catches in Week 15 Mooney failed to secure his lone target in Monday's 15-9 win over the Raiders.
Impact Mooney was a complete nonfactor in Week 15 despite playing 91 percent of Atlanta's offensive snaps against the Raiders. Monday's game marked the first time in which the veteran wideout failed to record a single reception in a contest this season. The Falcons' passing attack continues to struggle with Kirk Cousins under center, as he completed just 11 of 17 passes in the game. Mooney will look to bounce back in Week 16 against the vulnerable Giants secondary, though he'll be on the receiving end of passes from rookie signal caller Michael Penix, as the Falcons announced Tuesday that Penix will be the team's starting quarterback moving forward.
DECEMBER 18, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Falcons name rookie Michael Penix Jr. as starting QB, benching veteran Kirk Cousins

The Atlanta Falcons are turning to rookie Michael Penix Jr. as their starting quarterback and benching veteran Kirk Cousins as they fight for their first playoff berth since 2017
DECEMBER 18, 2024 • Associated Press
Kirk Cousins - Loses starting QB job Atlanta announced Tuesday that Michael Penix will be the team's starting quarterback moving forward, displacing Cousins in the role.
Impact Cousins struggled over the Falcons' past five games, posting a 1:9 TD:INT while the team went 1-4. Though the squad snapped a four-game losing streak Monday against the Raiders, Cousins didn't do well, completing 11 of 17 passes for 112 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Head coach Raheem Morris was non-committal about the veteran quarterback continuing to start under center for the squad earlier Tuesday, and the Falcons later made the announcement that Penix will be taking over as the team's starting signal-caller. Per Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site, Morris said in a prepared statement, "This was a football decision and we are fully focused on preparing the team for Sunday's game against the New York Giants." It's unclear what Cousins' future in Atlanta will be after signing a four-year, $100 million contract in the offseason.
DECEMBER 18, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Kirk Cousins - Loses starting QB job Head coach Raheem Morris announced Tuesday that Cousins has been removed as the team's starting quarterback in favor of Michael Penix, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site...
Impact Cousins struggled over the Falcons' past five games, posting a 1:9 TD:INT while the team went 1-4. Though the squad snapped a four-game losing streak Monday against the Raiders, Cousins didn't do well, completing 11 of 17 passes for 112 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Morris was non-committal about the veteran quarterback continuing to start under center for the squad earlier Tuesday, and the Falcons later made the announcement that Penix will be taking over as the team's starting signal-caller. It's unclear what Cousins' future in Atlanta will look like beyond 2024 after he signed a four-year, $180 million contract in the offseason. Cousins is fully guaranteed $27.5 million in 2025, and he carries a cap hit of $40 million for next season.
DECEMBER 18, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Falcons bench QB Kirk Cousins for rookie Michael Penix Jr.

The Falcons will turn to Michael Penix Jr. following another shaky performance from Kirk Cousins in a win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
DECEMBER 18, 2024 • FOX SPORTS
Falcons bench QB Kirk Cousins for rookie Michael Penix Jr.
Jessie Bates III - Game-sealing INT vs. Las Vegas Bates registered two solo tackles and an interception during Monday's 15-9 loss to the Raiders.
Impact Bates logged his third interception of the regular season Monday on a Hail Mary pass from Desmond Ridder. Bates' two tackles were his lowest since Week 7, but he's played in 100 percent of the Falcons' defensive snaps in nine of 14 regular-season games. He's up to 83 tackles (50 solo), eight pass defenses (including three interceptions), four forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
DECEMBER 18, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Jessie Bates III - Game-sealing INT vs. Las Vegas Bates registered two solo tackles and an interception during Monday's 15-9 loss to the Raiders.
Impact Bates logged his third interception of the regular season Monday on a Hail Mary pass from Desmond Ridder. Bates' two tackles were his lowest since Week 7, but he's played in 100 percent of the Falcons' defensive snaps in nine of 14 regular-season games. He's up to 83 tackles (50 solo), eight pass defenses (including three interceptions), four forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
DECEMBER 18, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Michael Penix Jr. - Taking over as starting QB The Falcons announced Tuesday that Penix will be the team's starting quarterback moving forward.
Impact A change at quarterback in Atlanta had been brewing since head coach Raheem Morris expressed frustration over Kirk Cousins' performance following Monday's 15-9 win over the Raiders. Cousins has been struggling over the Falcons' past five games, posting a 1:9 TD:INT while the team has gone 1-4. Penix has gotten into just two games this season, completing three of five passes for 38 yards after being drafted eighth overall in April's NFL Draft. The Washington product was always going to be the Falcons' quarterback of the future given his lofty draft selection, but his time to shine is coming sooner than expected, as Cousins was slated to lead the team this season after signing a four-year, $100-million contract in March. Atlanta is currently 7-7 and one game behind Tampa Bay in the NFC South, so Penix will be playing with the aim of leading the team into the postseason. His first start will come in a soft matchup Sunday versus the 2-12 Giants.
DECEMBER 18, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Michael Penix Jr. - Taking over as starting QB Head coach Raheem Morris announced Tuesday that Penix will replace Kirk Cousins as the team's starting quarterback, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports. "After rev...
Impact A change at quarterback in Atlanta had been brewing since Morris expressed frustration over Cousins' performance following Monday's 15-9 win over the Raiders. Cousins has struggled mightily over the Falcons' past five games, posting a 1:9 TD:INT while the team has gone 1-4. Penix has gotten into just two games this season, completing three of five passes for 38 yards after being drafted eighth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Washington product was always going to be the Falcons' quarterback of the future given his lofty draft selection, but his time to shine is coming sooner than expected, as Cousins was slated to lead the team this season after signing a four-year, $180-million contract in March. Atlanta is currently 7-7 and one game behind Tampa Bay in the NFC South, so Penix will be playing with the aim of leading the team into the postseason. His first start will come in a soft matchup versus the 2-12 Giants.
DECEMBER 18, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Kaden Elliss - Leads Atlanta in tackling again Elliss finished Monday's 15-9 win over the Raiders with 11 tackles (six solo), including 1.0 sacks.
Impact Elliss has registered at least 10 tackles in seven of the Falcons' last eight games and is on a three-game sack streak. His effort over that span has Elliss at 124 combined tackles through 14 regular-season games, surpassing his career-best output from the 2023 campaign (122 combined tackles over 17 regular-season games). The 2019 seventh-round pick will look to add to that total Sunday against the struggling Giants.
DECEMBER 18, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Kaden Elliss - Leads Atlanta in tackling again Elliss finished Monday's 15-9 win over the Raiders with 11 tackles (six solo), including 1.0 sacks.
Impact Elliss has registered at least 10 tackles in seven of the Falcons' last eight games and is on a three-game sack streak. His effort over that span has Elliss at 124 combined tackles through 14 regular-season games, surpassing his career-best output from the 2023 campaign (122 combined tackles over 17 regular-season games). The 2019 seventh-round pick will look to add to that total Sunday against the struggling Giants.
DECEMBER 18, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Atlanta Falcons name Michael Penix Jr. starting quarterback, benching veteran Kirk Cousins

Atlanta Falcons name Michael Penix Jr. starting quarterback, benching veteran Kirk Cousins
DECEMBER 18, 2024 • Associated Press

Michael Vick agrees to become the next head coach at Norfolk State

The former Pro-Bowl QB will reportedly become the next head coach of the Spartans.
DECEMBER 18, 2024 • FOX SPORTS
Michael Vick agrees to become the next head coach at Norfolk State
Raheem Morris reflects on win over Raiders & what's ahead for Atlanta Falcons | Press Conference
DECEMBER 18, 2024 • YOUTUBE
Younghoe Koo - Nursing injury after Monday's game Head coach Raheem Morris said that Koo "kind of hurt himself a bit" in Monday's 15-9 win over the Raiders, Terrin Waack of the Falcons' official site reports. "We'll figure it out...
Impact Koo knocked down his lone extra-point try and made field-goal attempts of 48 and 40 yards before missing wide left on his final kick of the night, a 42-yarder with 5:31 remaining in the fourth quarter. It's unclear if the injury Morris alludes to contributed to the uncharacteristic miss, but more information about Koo's status heading into Sunday's game against the Giants should be known when Atlanta releases its first Week 16 injury report Wednesday.
DECEMBER 17, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Younghoe Koo - Nursing injury after Monday's game Head coach Raheem Morris said that Koo "kind of hurt himself a bit" in Monday's 15-9 win over the Raiders, Terrin Waack of the Falcons' official site reports. "We'll figure it out...
Impact Koo knocked down his lone extra-point try and made field-goal attempts of 48 and 40 yards before missing wide left on his final kick of the night, a 42-yarder with 5:31 remaining in the fourth quarter. It's unclear if the injury Morris alluded to contributed to the miss, but Koo's 73.5 percent FG% in 2024 (25-for-34, including two misses in the 30-39 yard range) is by far a career low.
DECEMBER 17, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Kirk Cousins - Not yet confirmed for Week 16 start Head coach Raheem Morris was non-committal Tuesday when asked if Cousins will remain the Falcons' starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the Giants, Josh Kendall of The Ath...
Impact Though the Falcons snapped their four-game losing streak Monday with a 15-9 win over the Raiders, Cousins' play didn't inspire much confidence in the prospects of the Atlanta offense moving forward. After Cousins had turned in a disastrous 0:8 TD:INT during the previous four games, the Falcons leaned heavily on the ground attack in Week 16, attempting 37 runs on the night. Cousins was unable to do much with his 20 dropbacks, taking three sacks and completing 11 of 17 pass attempts for 112 yards, one touchdown and NFL-leading 16th interception of the season. Though a soft home matchup against the 2-12 Giants awaits in Week 16, the 7-7 Falcons may view the game as a good opportunity to see if rookie first-round pick Michael Penix can provide an upgrade over the struggling Cousins as Atlanta looks to stay in the thick of the NFC playoff race. Expect Morris to provide an update on the Falcons' plans at quarterback Wednesday, when the team resumes practicing.
DECEMBER 17, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
Kirk Cousins - Not yet confirmed for Week 16 start Head coach Raheem Morris was non-committal Tuesday when asked if Cousins will remain the Falcons' starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the Giants, Josh Kendall of The Ath...
Impact Though the Falcons snapped their four-game losing streak Monday with a 15-9 win over the Raiders, Cousins' play didn't inspire much confidence. After he turned in a disastrous 0:8 TD:INT during the previous four games, the Falcons leaned heavily on their ground attack in Week 15. Cousins was unable to do much with his 20 dropbacks, taking three sacks and completing 11 of 17 pass attempts for 112 yards, one touchdown and his NFL-leading 16th interception of the season. Though a soft home matchup against the 2-12 Giants awaits in Week 16, the 7-7 Falcons may view the game as a good opportunity to see if rookie first-round pick Michael Penix can provide an upgrade as Atlanta looks to stay in the thick of the NFC South race. Expect Morris to provide an update on the Falcons' plans at quarterback when the team resumes practicing Wednesday.
DECEMBER 17, 2024 • ROTOWIRE
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