The headline of the Atlanta Falcons’ latest announcement had increasingly trended toward likely.
The subtext on Tuesday night was more surprising.
The Falcons did not simply bench veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins 14 games after they signed him to a deal worth $90 million guaranteed at signing
They also gave the rookie they drafted eighth overall the keys to the castle — indefinitely.
"After review we have made the decision Michael Penix will be the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback moving forward," head coach Raheem Morris said in a statement.