Falcons teammates Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins ​​prayed before the rookie quarterback made his first NFL start.

Former Washington star Penix Jr. – the No. 8 pick in the 2024 draft – took over under center for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.

Cousins ​​was benched for the rookie and the veteran quarterback is expected to be cut by Atlanta.

But Cousins ​​took the time to support his younger teammate in the minutes before Sunday’s game against New York.

The two quarterbacks could be seen raising their hands in prayer before exiting the tunnel and onto the field.

Atlanta was 7-7 heading into the game against the Giants – and still in the postseason race.

Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins ​​prayed before the rookie made his first NFL start

The move comes as rookie Michael Penix Jr. has been named the team’s starter moving forward.

Penix, 24, was named the Falcon’s “moving forward” quarterback this week by head coach Raheem Morris.

Cousins ​​will reportedly be released by the Atlanta Falcons before his $10 million roster bonus takes effect.

The 36-year-old signed a four-year, $180 million contract – including $100 million guaranteed – with Atlanta in the offseason according to ESPNCousins ​​is expected to be released before his bonus takes effect on March 17.

Cousins ​​has a no-trade clause in his contract and therefore can decline a move to another team.