National Football League

Redskins QB Cousins to face young Falcons defense

Published Dec. 15, 2013 12:11 p.m. ET

foxsports

Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins will be facing a Falcons defense that includes at least four rookie starters as he makes his first start of the season.

Coach Mike Shanahan benched Robert Griffin III this week for the final three games. Griffin is Washington's inactive third quarterback Sunday. Rex Grossman is the backup for Cousins.

The Falcons are holding out safety Thomas DeCoud (concussion). Rookie safety Zeke Motta will make his first start, joining cornerback Desmond Trufant and linebackers Paul Worrilow and Joplo Bartu as first-year starters.

Running back Antone Smith (knee) also is inactive for Atlanta.

Redskins rookie tight end Jordan Reed (concussion) will miss his fourth straight game. Chris Baker is starting ahead of defensive end Kedric Golston.

---

AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org