By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-12-22 20:31:59 | Updated at 2024-12-23 01:16:28
4 hours ago
Falcons teammates Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins shared a prayer before the rookie quarterback made his first NFL start.
Former Washington star Penix Jr. - the No 8 pick in the 2024 draft - took over under center for Sunday's game against the New York Giants.
Cousins was benched for the rookie and the veteran quarterback is expected to be cut by Atlanta.
But Cousins took the time to support his younger teammate in the minutes before Sunday's game against New York.
The two quarterbacks could be seen raising their hands together in prayer before heading out of the tunnel and on to the field.
Atlanta were 7-7 - and still alive in the race to make the postseason - ahead of the game against the Giants.
Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins shared a prayer before the rookie made his first NFL start
The move comes as rookie Michael Penix Jr. was named the team's starter 'moving forward'
Penix, 24, was this week named the Falcon's quarterback 'moving forward' by head coach Raheem Morris.
Cousins will reportedly be cut by the Atlanta Falcons before his $10million roster bonus kicks in.
The 36-year-old signed a four-year, $180million deal - including $100m guaranteed - with Atlanta in the offseason but, according to ESPN, Cousins is expected to be released before his bonus kicks in on March 17.
Cousins has a no-trade clause in his contract and therefore can reject being sent to another team.
