Cousins’ health considered Atlanta Falcons’ top concern

Sports Illustrated previewed the Atlanta Falcons camp by examining the biggest questions facing the franchise. At the top of the list is the health of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. Although the team signed Cousins ​​to a four-year, $180 million contract, the veteran isn’t a guaranteed starter for camp and the preseason.

Yes, once he recovers, this will be Kirk’s team, with Penix at least two years away. The concern for Atlanta is not knowing how far Cousins ​​is from getting back to normal. It seems wise to keep Cousins ​​out of action as long as possible in an effort to have the veteran ready for Week 1.

Kirk Cousins ​​suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Week 8 of last season. The quarterback’s recovery has been impressive and he’ll likely be ready by Week 1. That’s imperative for Atlanta’s season given the team’s first five weeks.

The Falcons will face the Steelers, Eagles, Chiefs, Saints and Bucs to start the year. Having a healthy Kirk Cousins ​​survive that stretch will define Atlanta’s season. If Penix is ​​forced to make the team or Cousins ​​isn’t himself, the Falcons could find themselves in a hole they can’t climb out of.

The question for Cousins ​​and Atlanta doesn’t seem to be whether or not he’ll be ready to start the season. It’s how close the veteran will be to his old self a few months after his serious injury. It’s the same question Aaron Rodgers faces for two teams whose playoff hopes depend on the health of aging veterans.

Atlanta has improved greatly this offseason, giving it legitimate playoff hopes for the first time since 2017. Despite the injury, those are the expectations Cousins ​​faces and that means the quarterback needs to be ready from the start.