Michael Penix's official introduction to the Saints-Falcons rivalry looks like it will have to wait.
The Falcons QB is expected to miss significant time due to a knee injury, according to a report from the NFL Network, with Penix expected to land on IR. The Falcons will are also expected to be without star WR Drake London due to an injury that's been reported as a PCL strain.
If both players do miss time, that will mean the Saints face a distinctly altered Atlanta offense led by Kirk Cousins, who was signed to a 4-year, $180 million contract ahead of the 2024 season. Atlanta surprised many when they turned around and drafted Penix No. 8 overall in the following draft, who ultimately took over for the veteran QB in Week 15 of the 2024 season.
The Falcons retained Cousins this year despite offseason chatter that he could be moved, but the results haven't been ideal in relief. Cousins lone start was a 34-10 drubbing against the Falcons, and he's appeared twice in relief, most recently in an overtime loss to the Falcons a week ago.
Atlanta is in the midst of a five-game losing streak after a 3-2 start to the year, a stunning collapse that's shone light on the decision to trade away their 2026 first-round draft pick to move up and select edge rusher James Pearce out of Tennessee at No. 26 overall. Pearce has been an important piece of an effective Falcons defensive line group, but if the season ended today they'd be handing over the No. 8 overall selection to the L.A. Rams.
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In the absence of London, expect the Falcons to lean heavily on their run game headlined by superstar Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, who has been a consistent thorn in the side of the Saints in previous matchups. Robinson will also be a major threat in the passing game, as will TE Kyle Pitts who is currently third on the team with 434 receiving yards. The WR outside of London with more than 100 receiving yards is former Tulane standout Darnell Mooney.
New Orleans is fresh off a bye and with good vibes after a 17-7 victory over the Carolina Panthers in Week 10, which doubled as an end to a four-game losing streak and the first career win as a starter for rookie QB Tyler Shough.
The Saints and Falcons kick off 3:25 p.m. inside the Caesars Superdome. Catch all the action on WWL and Audacy.