Drake London Out: Falcons Turn to Kirk Cousins for Week 8

The Atlanta Falcons face a significant reshuffling ahead of their Week 8 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, with both starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and top wide receiver Drake London ruled out due to injuries. This double blow forces the team to lean on veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who will make his first start since losing the job to Penix during the final three games of last season.

Injury Report Forces Major Changes

Michael Penix Jr.'s absence stems from a bone bruise on his left knee that limited him throughout the week's practice sessions. Despite the quarterback's Wednesday comments expressing confidence in his ability to play, the Falcons made the decision to place him on the inactive list 90 minutes before kickoff Sunday afternoon.

Drake London's situation proved even more surprising. The wide receiver carried no injury designation heading into Friday, only to be added to the injury report Saturday with a hip issue. After being listed as questionable, London was officially ruled out, creating a void in Atlanta's passing attack where he had been the clear WR1.

Head coach Raheem Morris indicated earlier in the week that the team would prioritize player safety. "We're not going to put him in harm's way," Morris stated regarding Penix's mobility concerns and ability to elude pass rushers effectively.

Cousins Returns Under Center

Kirk Cousins' return to the starting lineup marks a remarkable turn of events for the veteran quarterback. His 2024 season with Atlanta was marred by struggles, as he threw 18 touchdowns against 16 interceptions while averaging just 17.7 fantasy points over 15 appearances. Many attributed these difficulties to his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon suffered the previous year.

The Falcons' decision to draft Penix in the first round of 2024 shocked the NFL world, given Cousins' substantial contract. After losing the starting job in Week 16, Cousins has made only one brief appearance this season—completing 5 of 7 passes for 29 yards in a 30-0 loss at Carolina on September 21.

Despite trade speculation swirling around Cousins throughout the offseason, Atlanta retained him as insurance for exactly this type of scenario. Now he has an opportunity for redemption against a Dolphins defense that presents both challenges and opportunities.

Fantasy Football Implications

Darnell Mooney's Enhanced Role

The most significant fantasy beneficiary of these roster changes appears to be wide receiver Darnell Mooney. During the 2024 season with Cousins under center, Mooney produced 57 receptions for 873 yards and five touchdowns—solid WR2/WR3 fantasy numbers. His chemistry with Cousins was evident throughout those 15 games together.

In contrast, Mooney's production cratered with Penix at quarterback. Over limited action in 2024's final weeks and four games in 2025, the veteran receiver managed just 17 total receptions for 266 yards without finding the end zone. The quarterback change could reignite the connection that made Mooney fantasy-relevant last season.

Fantasy analysts suggest viewing Mooney as a flex option with WR3 upside for Week 8. His projected floor sits around 4 catches for 60 yards, with a ceiling of approximately 5 receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown. London's absence should funnel additional targets his direction, particularly in an offense that will also lean heavily on running back Bijan Robinson.

Other Receiving Options

With London sidelined, the Falcons' receiving corps will feature Mooney alongside David Sills V, KhaDarel Hodge, and Casey Washington. The team had released Ray-Ray McCloud earlier in the week, further thinning their wide receiver depth.

Tight end Kyle Pitts could see increased target volume as well, though his inconsistent 2025 production makes him a risky fantasy play. The Dolphins' defense has been particularly stingy against wide receivers this season, allowing touchdowns at a rate of just one per 10 receptions and limiting only six players to double-digit PPR returns.

The Dolphins Defensive Challenge

Atlanta faces a Miami defense that presents unique challenges for both running and passing games. The Dolphins have proven vulnerable in certain matchups, but their overall numbers against wide receivers remain solid. This defensive strength could complicate Cousins' return and limit the upside for Falcons pass-catchers.

The combination of a quarterback making his first start in months and a depleted receiving corps against a competent defense creates uncertainty for fantasy managers. Those considering Mooney or other Falcons receivers should temper expectations while acknowledging the potential for Cousins to recapture some of last season's chemistry with his targets.

Roster Moves and Depth Concerns

The Falcons elevated quarterback Easton Stick from the practice squad to provide depth behind Cousins, a clear indication that the team had concerns about Penix's availability even before making the final decision. Running back Tyler Allgeier was listed as questionable with hip and knee injuries but ultimately cleared to play, providing Atlanta with needed backfield depth alongside Robinson.

The team also made several other roster moves before the game, placing linebacker Divine Deablo on injured reserve with a forearm injury while activating safety Jordan Fuller and signing safety Ronnie Harrison. These defensive adjustments aim to maintain depth across the roster while managing multiple injury situations.

Looking Forward

The severity and recovery timeline for both Penix's knee and London's hip remain uncertain. Bone bruises can linger, potentially keeping Penix sidelined beyond this week, while London's late addition to the injury report raises questions about whether this represents a new acute injury or an aggravation of his earlier shoulder issues from this season.

For Cousins, this start represents more than just filling in—it's a chance to demonstrate he can still contribute at a high level and potentially revive trade interest as the season progresses. At 37 years old and with questions about his mobility post-Achilles injury, a strong performance could change the narrative surrounding his future in Atlanta or elsewhere.

Conclusion

The Falcons enter Week 8 navigating significant adversity on offense, with their starting quarterback and top receiver watching from the sidelines. Kirk Cousins' return to the starting lineup creates intrigue for both team success and fantasy football purposes, particularly regarding whether he can resurrect the chemistry he showed with Darnell Mooney during the 2024 season.

While the situation presents challenges, it also offers opportunities. Mooney becomes a viable flex option in deeper leagues, Bijan Robinson's workload could increase, and Cousins himself becomes a streaming quarterback option with upside. Fantasy managers should monitor injury updates throughout the week ahead, as the status of both Penix and London for Week 9 and beyond remains unclear. For now, the Falcons must adapt on the fly and hope their veteran quarterback can recapture past magic against a formidable Dolphins defense.