Whether he's sharpening the first-team defense or helping Michael Penix, Cousins is doing what he can to help the Falcons.

The Falcons' highest-paid player is the backup QB. Will that be a distraction as they try to develop Michael Penix Jr. into a franchise QB?

Although various starting quarterbacks leaguewide suited up for their team’s first preseason games, the Atlanta Falcons rested first-year starter Michael Penix Jr. and four-time Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins against the Detroit Lions last Friday.