Cousins will move back to the No. 2 QB role Sunday at New England with Michael Penix (knee) not receiving a designation for that contest

Cousins earned a spot start for Penix this past Sunday against the Dolphins due to the latter's bone bruise in his knee, but the former didn't fare well, completing 21 of 31 passes for 173 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions and rushing twice for two yards in a 34-10 loss. This week, Penix followed up limited practices Wednesday and Thursday with a full session Friday, thereby clearing him to return to action. Cousins likely won't see the field Sunday, barring an injury setback to Penix or a garbage-time appearance.

Cousins completed 21 of 31 passes for 173 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions while rushing twice for two yards in the Falcons' 34-10 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday.

Making his first start since Week 15 of last season, Cousins understandably had some rust to work through, and he also had the disadvantage of having to operate without No. 1 receiver Drake London (hip). Cousins eventually developed a bit of rhythm as the game went on, but he averaged just 5.6 yards per attempt and focused the overwhelming majority of his attention on Kyle Pitts. Cousins could certainly be better now that he has a game under his belt and with another week of practice -- not to mention with London at his disposal -- but it remains to be seen if he'll have that opportunity in a Week 9 road matchup against the Patriots or whether Penix will be healthy enough to start that game.

Cousins will start Sunday's game against the Dolphins with Michael Penix (knee) inactive, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Penix came out of last Sunday's defeat in San Francisco with a bone bruise in his knee that limited him in practice Wednesday through Friday and resulted in a questionable tag for Week 8 action. Adam Schefter of ESPN then reported Saturday morning that Cousins likely was going to start for Penix, before reporting later Saturday that Cousins was in line to direct the Falcons offense this weekend. With Penix's lack of availability confirmed, Cousins will earn his first start since Week 15 of last season, but he'll be without top WR Drake London due to a hip injury.

Walker took 11 carries for 42 yards while adding two receptions on as many targets for 19 yards in Sunday's 38-14 rout of the Commanders.

QB Sam Darnold and Seattle's passing attack stole the show on Sunday Night Football, accounting for 330 of the team's 418 net yards of offense and four of its five touchdowns against Washington. Walker still led the Seahawks' backfield in carries and production, out-touching Zach Charbonnet by four in the comfortable win. The 24-year-old Walker checks in as Seattle's leading rusher as we cross the midpoint of the regular season, recording 472 yards (4.5 YPC) and three touchdowns across eight games. Walker will be hungry for his fourth score against the Cardinals next Sunday after punching in all three of his touchdowns in Weeks 1 through 3.

Johnson reverted to the Patriots' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Johnson was elevated from the Patriots' practice squad to the active roster Saturday.

With Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) ruled out for Sunday's game against the Falcons, Johnson is a candidate to be elevated from the practice squad ahead of Week 9 action, according to Mark Daniels of MassLive.com.

Coach Sean McDermott noted Friday that Palmer (knee/ankle) won't play Sunday against the Chiefs, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports.

Palmer (knee/ankle) was listed as a limited participant at Thursday's practice.

Palmer (knee/ankle) took part in practice Thursday, though he was "moving at very light speed," Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.

Dissly (illness) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Titans, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.

Dissly (illness) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Titans.

Dissly (illness) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.