Despite the rash of quarterback injuries around the NFL over the last few weeks, the Atlanta Falcons don’t appear any closer to trading Kirk Cousins. The Cincinnati Bengals traded for a different veteran quarterback on Tuesday, acquiring Joe Flacco from the Cleveland Browns to help fill in for injured starter Joe Burrow.
The Bengals sent a fifth-round pick to their in-state division rivals for Flacco and a sixth-round pick. The 1-4 Browns benched Flacco a few weeks ago for rookie Dillon Gabriel, plus they have Shedeur Sanders waiting in the wings.
Burrow is expected to miss a few months due to a turf toe injury. Backup Jake Browning has struggled in place of Burrow, throwing eight interceptions in four games. After Browning threw three more picks during Sunday’s loss to the Detroit Lions, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor left the door open for a quarterback change.
Taylor’s comments fueled more Cousins-to-Cincinnati trade speculation, with fans of both teams calling for the move. However, the Bengals opted for a more cost-effective option in Flacco.
“Joe is an experienced quarterback with a history of winning,” Taylor said after the trade. “He is a leader with a skill set that will fit our personnel well. He is a gifted passer with a strong arm, and we are excited to have him on our team.”
That leaves the Falcons with the NFL’s highest-paid backup for another week at least. While a trade doesn’t appear likely at this point, we wouldn’t rule it out the closer we get to the 2025 trade deadline on November 4.
Cousins is entrenched as the backup to Michael Penix Jr., who’s coming off a monster performance in last weekend’s win over the Washington Commanders. Penix passed for a career-high 313 yards and two touchdowns in his second matchup against Dan Quinn and the Commanders.
After getting a bye in Week 5, the Falcons will return to host the Buffalo Bills in Week 6. The Bills are 4-1 but were upset by the New England Patriots over the weekend. Monday’s game kicks off at 7:15 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Atlanta should have No. 1 cornerback A.J. Terrell back in time for Monday’s game. Head coach Raheem Morris said Terrell will practice this week, but he wasn’t sure about wide receiver Darnell Mooney’s status. Mooney injured his hamstring against the Commanders in Week 4.
We’ll know more when the team’s first injury report drops on Thursday afternoon.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Bengals pass on Falcons QB Kirk Cousins, trade for Joe Flacco
