A torn Achilles is arguably the worst injury any athlete can suffer, especially when that athlete makes a living as an NFL quarterback.
That was the reality Kirk Cousins faced midway through last season as a member of the Minnesota Vikings.
He then joined the Atlanta Falcons as a free agent this offseason, and despite that significant injury, the Falcons gave him a four-year, $180 million contract.
In the Falcons’ season opener, he completed just 16 of 26 passes and threw two interceptions, including one in the closing minutes of an 18-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Former NFL backup quarterback and current FOX Sports analyst Chase Daniel recently pointed out the signs that Cousins hasn’t fully recovered as of yet.
“Kirk Cousins is clearly not healthy,” Daniel wrote on X. “The Falcons were in pistol/shotgun on 96 percent of their snaps Sunday! … He has a new stance in the shotgun and it tells you everything you need to know about his health.”
Kirk Cousins is clearly NOT healthy.
The Falcons were in Pistol/Shotgun on 96% of their snaps Sunday!!
He has a NEW stance in the shotgun & it tells you everything you need to know about his health.
Let me show you @TheFacilityFS1 #RiseUp pic.twitter.com/U3HYTBElPY
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) September 11, 2024
Cousins tore his Achilles in Week 8 of last season, and it is an injury that can take up to a year or more to fully heal in terms of a player regaining his mobility.
In fact, plenty of athletes never fully regain the mobility they had prior to the injury, and that results in their production permanently decreasing.
A lot of people are high on the Falcons’ prospects this season, as they’re expected to contend for the NFC South title, but their chances of doing so likely took a hit after the poor performance in the opener.
Their next two games will be difficult, as they will take on the Philadelphia Eagles on “Monday Night Football” in Week 2 and the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3.
Fortunately for Atlanta, the NFC South is arguably the weakest division in the NFL, and that could keep the Falcons in contention for a playoff spot throughout the season.
