The Atlanta Falcons medically cleared Kirk Cousins for full practice, but the quarterback will have to wait for the regular season to get in-game action with his new team.
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said Cousins is “ready to go” without limitations to start training camp. However, Cousins told reporters Thursday that the team doesn’t plan on giving him any preseason reps.
“I want to play, but I think that ask fell on deaf ears,” Cousins said.
Cousins hoped he could convince Morris otherwise, but the coach told him it’s “just not how we want to do things.”
“I think seeing live bullets and playing is helpful, but I also understand the logic behind not doing it,” Cousins continued. “Everything we do is calculated, and that will be as well.”
Cousins hasn’t played since he tore his Achilles on Oct. 29. After six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, he signed a four-year, $180,000 contract with Atlanta.
The Falcons won’t want to take any chances with their new starting quarterback, who turns 36 next month. The preseason could also give them an opportunity to showcase first-round pick Michael Penix Jr., who, if all goes according to plan, won’t take over as the team’s starter anytime soon.
NFL teams are increasingly reticent to play healthy starters in the preseason, so it’s hardly surprising that the Falcons don’t plan on Cousins competing next month. Don’t expect him to return for Atlanta’s exhibition opener against the Miami Dolphins on Aug. 9.
Related: Kirk Cousins Shares His Honest Thoughts On Michael Penix Jr