NFC South Injury Updates and QB Questions: What’s Next for the Falcons, Panthers, and Saints?
As we head into the final stretch of the regular season, the NFC South is dealing with a mix of quarterback uncertainty, injury updates, and next-man-up mentality. Let’s break down where things stand for the Falcons, Panthers, and Saints - and what it could mean moving forward.
Falcons: Kirk Cousins’ Future in Atlanta Is Officially Up for Discussion
Kirk Cousins is under contract through 2027, but that doesn’t mean his future as the Falcons’ starting quarterback is set in stone. In fact, head coach Raheem Morris made it clear this week that “everything is on the table” when it comes to Cousins’ role next season.
And that’s not just coach-speak.
Cousins is set to carry a massive $57.5 million cap hit next season - a number that forces the Falcons to take a hard look at their direction under center. Morris acknowledged that the team will have serious conversations once the season wraps, and while the long-term plan was built around Cousins, recent performance has shifted the tone.
“I never thought he wasn’t a valuable starting quarterback,” Morris said. “He just didn’t play that way at the end of last year when we needed it most - and that’s what forced me to make the switch.”
It’s a frank assessment, and it reflects the kind of accountability Morris is looking for. Cousins has long been viewed as a steady, if not spectacular, presence at quarterback.
But with the Falcons trying to move out of the middle of the pack and into true contender territory, they’ll need more than steady - they’ll need impact. And that cap number isn’t going away.
Panthers: Ikem Ekwonu’s Status in Limbo, Hunt Still Week-to-Week
In Carolina, the offensive line continues to be a focal point - and not in the way the Panthers would like.
Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu gutted through last week’s game, but it’s now clear he was battling a knee issue throughout. Head coach Dave Canales said the team discovered something “going on” with the knee during postgame evaluations and is taking a cautious approach.
“He made it through the game, he was battling out there,” Canales said. “But in the post-game evaluation, and started doing tests on him, there’s something in there. So we had to make sure we took care of him today.”
Ekwonu is officially day-to-day, and while the hope is that he can practice and play this week, nothing is guaranteed. The Panthers are in protect-the-player mode, and rightfully so.
Meanwhile, guard Robert Hunt (biceps) remains week-to-week and hasn’t been designated to return just yet. The Panthers clearly don’t feel he’s ready to ramp up, and they’re not going to rush him back into the fold.
For a team that’s struggled to find consistency up front, losing two key starters - or even having them at less than 100% - is a tough blow. Especially for a young quarterback still finding his footing.
Saints: Banged-Up Backfield Opens Door for Estime, Hull
The Saints are limping into Week 16 with a running back room that’s been hit hard. Alvin Kamara, Devin Neal, and Kendre Miller are all unavailable, leaving the door wide open for rookies Audric Estime and Evan Hull.
Estime, who’s been waiting in the wings, says he’s staying ready - and that mindset might be paying off sooner than expected.
“Even though I’m not getting the game reps, I take as many practice reps as I can,” Estime said. “Because you never know when you’re going to need it in the game, if someone goes down.”
That’s exactly what happened. And now, Estime is being asked to step up and contribute in meaningful ways. Head coach Kellen Moore likes what he’s seen from both Estime and Hull.
“They were quickly called upon to contribute in some fashion. They were ready,” Moore said. “They’ve taken advantage of every opportunity.”
Moore also gave a nod to running backs coach Joel Thomas, crediting him with having the young backs prepared to step in seamlessly. That kind of preparation is crucial when a team’s depth is being tested this late in the season.
And it’s not just the backfield stepping up. With receiver Devaughn Vele sidelined, Kevin Austin Jr. has filled in admirably. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough gave props to all the young players who’ve stepped into larger roles.
“I was really proud of how everybody stepped in [those] roles and nobody blinked,” Shough said. “Audric, Evan, Kevin - all those guys stepped up and made plays.”
That’s the kind of resilience that can keep a team afloat when the injury bug hits hard. The Saints may be down some key names, but they’re not out - and their young depth is proving it can handle the spotlight.
Bottom Line:
The NFC South is a division in flux. The Falcons are staring down a major quarterback decision with a massive financial implication.
The Panthers are trying to patch together a banged-up offensive line to protect their young signal-caller. And the Saints are relying on rookies to carry the load as injuries pile up.
There’s still football left to play, but the decisions being made now - from roster management to injury handling - will shape how each of these teams enters the offseason. And for some, that offseason might come sooner than they hoped.