Illness strikes Falcons, but QB Kirk Cousins to play vs. Saints

Field Level Media|published: Sun 4th January, 12:02 2026

Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins and defensive lineman David Onyemata woke up feeling ill Sunday morning but will play in the season finale against the New Orleans Saints, the team said.

Inside linebacker Ronnie Harrison was added to the game status report as out due to illness. Several players were sick during the week but will play.

The Falcons (7-9) and Saints (6-10) will not make the playoffs, but their game in Atlanta will determine the winner of the NFC South. Due to tiebreakers, the Carolina Panthers (8-9) will win the division and head to the playoffs with a Falcons' victory. Should the Saints win, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9) will be the No. 4 seed in the NFC playoffs.

The Falcons will be without Harrison, punter Trenton Gill, defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus, offensive lineman Michael Jerrell, and wide receivers Casey Washington and Malik Heath.

Out for the Saints are defensive back Ugo Amadi, quarterback Spencer Rattler, wide receiver Chris Olave, running back Alvin Kamara, offensive lineman Xavier Truss and defensive linemen Bryan Bresee and Nathan Shepherd.

--Field Level Media

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