Kirk Cousins Injury Update: Falcons Expect Healthy QB in Season Opener

New Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins is expected to be available to play Week 1 after an Achilles injury suffered last season.

The Atlanta Falcons agreed to a four-year, $180 million contract with Kirk Cousins on Monday - and expect to see their new quarterback on the field when the 2024 season begins.

Atlanta's decision makers believe Cousins, who suffered a torn right Achilles tendon on Oct. 29 and underwent surgery Nov. 1, will be healthy for the season-opener Sept. 8, according to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe.

Dec 24, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) looks on from the bench during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium / Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Cousins will turn 36 years old in August and recently released a video of his training progress.

Almost 4 months in now…encouraged by the progress! Grateful tor all the help around us pic.twitter.com/s6udNzo9VO

— Kirk Cousins (@KirkCousins8) February 26, 2024

Prior to his injury, Cousins was enjoying a successful individual campaign, completing 69.5 percent of his passes for 2,331 yards, 18 touchdowns and five interceptions. Minnesota held a 4-4 record but won Cousins' final three starts.

Cousins missed just two total games in his previous eight seasons as a starter and had largely proven durable before the Achilles injury.

Atlanta's giving Cousins a $50 million signing bonus and $90 million guaranteed over the first two years of the contract - financially, the belief it has in Cousins' recovery and level of play upon return is clear.

Falcons Need Cousins - But $180 Million Signing Comes With Questions

The Falcons' backup quarterback is expected to be Desmond Ridder, who started 13 games this past season, his second as a professional.

Atlanta's active roster also currently contains Taylor Heinicke, but the Falcons clear $7 million in cap space by releasing Heinicke and are expected to pursue that avenue.

Last season, Ridder and Heinicke combined to complete 61.4 percent of their attempts for 3,726 yards, 17 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.

The Falcons felt they were a quarterback away, and Cousins was brought in to show it - something he'll look to do in Week 1 with injury questions in the rearview mirror.