Falcons HC Raheem Morris is more excited than worried about the return of Kirk Cousins ​​​​and Grady Jarrett

With Morris and a new coaching staff, the addition of Cousins, pass rusher Matt Judon, safety Justin Simmons and more this offseason, the return of Falcons star Jarrett has been somewhat overshadowed. But the return of the two-time Pro Bowler defensive tackle should be a boon to Morris' defense and then some.

“I’m really happy for Grady,” Morris said of the soon-to-be 10-year veteran.

Jarrett, 31, was often a bright spot for a Falcons defense that has struggled in recent seasons, providing some pass-rushing punch up the middle and strong run support. Before last year, Jarrett hadn't missed a game since 2018. He had played 84 consecutive games when he tore his ACL in a loss to the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 29, 2023.

About 680 miles north, that same day, Cousins' season ended with a torn Achilles tendon.

About 10 months later, Cousins' debut with the Falcons and his return from injury will coincide with Jarrett's comeback.

Neither of them was on the team's initial injury list this year.

Cousins, who signed a four-year, $180 million deal to join Atlanta this season, has been in the game for quite some time.

“He's been full-on for quite a while now,” Morris said. “We said it was a natural limitation during the OTA days when you're away from everybody, everybody stays up. And then when training camp started, he was really full-on. I protected him a little bit with the whistle, blew the whistle quickly so there's no crowding, but other than that, man, he's full-on. I wouldn't put him on the field with restrictions against the Pittsburgh Steelers. I'm lying, I would.”

Morris, of course, can't help Cousins, 36, with a quick whistle now. Still, the excitement of seeing Cousins ​​start in his first Falcons game overshadows any fear, especially since this is a four-time Pro Bowl QB who never had a serious injury until last season.

“It's hard to say you have to worry about Kirk getting hit (given his 13-year career),” Morris said. “I mean, the guy has done it a lot. But there's definitely always something with injuries. The guys in this game are built for it. That's why they're a different breed, a different animal, a different guy that goes out there and plays this game, and he's definitely one of those. I've known Kirk since 2012 as a very young, tough guy who's ready to stand there and take a hit at any time, and I don't think that's one of the things you have to coach as a quarterback. I have a lot of respect for that guy and his toughness.”

There are plenty of exciting stories to watch for the Falcons on Sunday against the Steelers, not least because Jarrett and Cousins' comebacks are happening at the same time. Their return marks the start of Morris' tenure and has the head coach far more excited than worried.