Who Should I Start? Kirk Cousins or Deshaun Watson

Monday, August 4, 9:24 AM

The Atlanta Falcons will not play quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins in the team's first preseason game on Friday against the Detroit Lions, according to head coach Raheem Morris. Easton Stick and Emory Jones are the quarterbacks on Atlanta's depth chart behind their top two guys, so they will presumably split snaps against Detroit. Penix Jr. is expected to enter the season as the starter for Atlanta after taking over for Cousins in Week 16 of 2024. The veteran Cousins had been the subject of some trade speculation during the offseason, but it appears Atlanta is planning to keep him in place as the backup. In 14 games last year, the 36-year-old completed 66.9% of his passes for 3,508 yards, throwing 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. There's not much that Cousins needs to prove in preseason action at this point in his career.

Tuesday, July 22, 9:10 PM

The Cleveland Browns have placed quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) on the active/physically unable to perform list, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Pelissero notes that Watson's status for the 2025 season is "up in the air." Watson tore his right Achilles tendon in Week 7 of the 2024 season, then tore it again while rehabbing this past January. As a result, it's unlikely he factors for Cleveland this season. The Browns have a crowded QB room entering training camp. Veteran Joe Flacco and former first-round pick Kenny Pickett are the favorites to win the job for Week 1, while 2025 draft picks Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders bring some added competition. Even when Watson returns to full strength, he may no longer be in the Browns' plans. The 29-year-old has struggled whenever he's been on the field for Cleveland.