Michael Penix Jr. injury update: Falcons QB to have season-ending surgery on partially torn ACL
With Penix sidelined, the struggling Falcons will turn to 37-year-old Kirk Cousins
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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. suffered a knee injury in Sunday's 30-27 loss to the Carolina Panthers, and further testing revealed a partially torn ACL in his left knee that will require season-ending surgery, the team announced Wednesday. With Penix sidelined, the Falcons will turn to Kirk Cousins at quarterback in Sunday's NFC South matchup with the New Orleans Saints.
Penix sustained the injury after a third-down sack in the third quarter and slammed his helmet down, appearing frustrated, after the hit. He was able to walk off the field on his own and immediately went into the medical tent as the special teams unit punted. Before leaving the game, Penix went 13 of 16 with 175 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions. The Falcons were up 21-19 in the divisional matchup when Penix exited and dropped to 3-7 with the loss.
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Penix, Atlanta's first-round pick in 2024, has a history of knee injuries, as he tore his right ACL in 2018 and 2020 before entering the NFL. Now he will have to go through the lengthy rehab process from ACL surgery for his other knee. The recovery timeline from ACL surgery is typically at least nine months from the surgery date. That would put the early window for Penix's return at the start of training camp next summer, and the Falcons hope he can be back on the field for the start of the 2026 season.
Cousins took over for Penix after the injury and is expected to be the starter for the rest of the season. Cousins, 37, signed a four-year, $180 million contract to join the Falcons ahead of the 2024 season -- a move that preceded the surprising decision to draft Penix at No. 8 overall. Cousins started 14 games for the Falcons last year before Penix took over. This year, he's 32 of 52 for 250 yards, including going just 6 of 14 for 48 yards in Sunday's loss.
The news of Penix's injury is only compounded by the fact that star receiver Drake London left the game late in regulation after suffering a knee injury as well. London didn't return for overtime and will reportedly miss Sunday's game in New Orleans.
