The Falcons’ second-year starter left Sunday’s loss to the Panthers after being injured by a blitzing defender. Todd Kirkland / Getty Images
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is headed to injured reserve after suffering a left knee injury during Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers, the team announced Monday. The injury, which includes damage to the ACL, could be season-ending, league sources told The Athletic.
“We are working through the medical process to determine the severity of the injury,” the team said in a statement. “He will be placed on the reserve/injured list and miss a minimum of four games.”
The Falcons’ second-year starter left Sunday’s 30-27 loss to the Carolina Panthers in the third quarter after being injured by a blitzing defender. The injury continues a troubling trend of knee ailments that dates back to college. Penix had two collegiate seasons cut short by ACL tears and has already missed one game this season due to a bone bruise.
Atlanta head coach Raheem Morris, who is scheduled to speak with the media Monday afternoon, indicated Sunday night that he was preparing for Penix to miss at least some time.
“We will go find out what Kirk (Cousins) does well this week,” Morris said.
Cousins, who finished Sunday’s game after Penix’s injury, started 14 games for the Falcons last year after signing the largest total value free-agency contract in NFL history during the 2024 offseason (four years, $180 million). However, he was benched after 14 games and replaced by Penix.
Cousins asked for a trade this offseason, but the team declined that request. Due to Penix’s initial diagnosis, it appears the 13-year veteran will start the remaining seven games of the season.
If there is any bright spot to Penix’s situation, it’s that it could allow a struggling young quarterback to reset heading into the 2026 season. After 10 games, Penix is 25th in the league in EPA per dropback (0.00) and 29th in completion percentage (60.1).
In more Falcons injury news, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Monday that wide receiver Drake London could miss “multiple games” due to a knee injury suffered Sunday against the Panthers.
Nov 17, 2025
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