Falcons HC: Michael Penix Jr. Will Start 'When It's Time' amid Kirk Cousins Rumors

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris doesn't appear to be in a rush to insert rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. into the starting offense and bench veteran Kirk Cousins.

Morris told reporters on Thursday that Penix will get the opportunity to start "when it's time," per ESPN's Marc Raimondi.

The Falcons are currently in the midst of a four-game losing streak with Cousins under center, sitting in second place in the NFC South standings with a 6-7 record.

The 36-year-old has struggled mightily during the stretch of defeats, throwing for 1,068 yards and eight interceptions without recording a touchdown throughout his last four appearances.

On the season as a whole, Cousins has been picked off a league-leading 15 times. His 261.2 passing yards per game represents his lowest average since 2019, while his 89.0 passer rating is his worst mark since 2014.

Cousins' subpar performance is especially worrisome after he signed a massive four-year, $180 million contract to join Atlanta as a free agent in March.

Despite his turnover issues and the Falcons' inconsistent offense, Morris has remained steadfast in his approach to the top quarterback spot on the depth chart.

He confirmed that Cousins would remain Atlanta's starter following a 42-21 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

Dianna Russini of The Athletic also reported that the Falcons haven't held any "internal discussions" regarding a change at quarterback.

Even though Cousins is expected to retain his status as the starter, Morris also expressed his support for Penix as the team's eventual top signal-caller.

"I told you right from the beginning, he's our future," Morris said on Thursday, per Raimondi.

Penix, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, still appears to have the support of the coaching staff as a long-term option.

He may not be stepping onto the field with the first-string offense in the immediate future, though.