Michael Penix Jr. is reportedly set to make his first start as an NFL quarterback in NFL Week 16. The Atlanta Falcons decided to bench veteran Kirk Cousins in favor of the talented rookie.

Raheem Morris, head coach of the Falcons, said the decision was made after the team’s most recent game in which Cousins threw for just 112 yards.

“After review we have made the decision Michael Penix will be the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback moving forward,” said Morris. “This was a football decision and we are fully focused on preparing the team for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.”

Cousins has had a brutal stretch of late for the Falcons. In the Falcons’ last 5 games, Cousins has just 1 touchdown compared to 9 interceptions. Luckily for the Falcons, the team is still sitting at 7-7 and is just 1 game back in the NFC South.

Now, the keys will be turned over to Penix in hopes the rookie can keep the team in the playoff race. The remaining opponents on the Falcons’ schedule are the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, and Carolina Panthers.

Penix was surprisingly selected by the Falcons in the 1st round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The selection of Penix came shortly after the Falcons gave Cousins a massive deal in free agency. Now, the former Washington star will get his first chance to show he belongs in the NFL against the Giants.