Who Should I Start? Andy Dalton or Kirk Cousins

Thursday, October 30, 4:17 PM

Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (thumb) was listed as a limited practice participant on Thursday after being held out of practice on Wednesday due to a thumb injury. Dalton started in place of Bryce Young (ankle) in Carolina's Week 8 game against the Buffalo Bills and struggled, completing 16 of 24 pass attempts for 175 yards and an interception. Young has logged two straight full practices heading into Friday, so he appears to be tracking towards returning in Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers. If neither Dalton nor Young were available to play, veteran journeyman Mike White would likely get the start. Fantasy managers should likely avoid whoever the Panthers' starting quarterback is in Week 9, given the difficult matchup on the road in Green Bay.

Friday, October 31, 11:35 AM

The Athletic's Josh Kendall reports that the Atlanta Falcons have yet to have "any serious trade discussions with another team," regarding quarterback Kirk Cousins ahead of next Tuesday's trade deadline. Cousins has been the speculation of quarterback-needy teams, although his recent performance in a blowout loss to the Miami Dolphins likely didn't help his case. As it stands, Atlanta is likely to hold both the veteran and second-year pro Michael Penix Jr. (knee). However, Kendall notes that doesn't mean Cousins is a long-term fit for the team. He figures to resume backup duties behind Penix Jr. once the latter is fully recovered from his knee injury. That's likely to change following the 2025 season.