As the New Orleans Saints prepare for their division rival matchup against the Atlanta Falcons coming off the bye week, their rival has been dealt some bad news going into the week.

The Atlanta Falcons’ 2025 season has been dealt a major blow, as the team announced Monday that second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has been placed on the reserve/injured list following a knee injury suffered in their Week 11 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers. The move means Penix will miss a minimum of four games, with reports suggesting the injury could be season-ending and involve damage to his ACL.

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Kirk Cousins Takes the Reins for Saints Showdown

Penix sustained the left knee injury, an aggravation of a bone bruise and knee sprain that had previously sidelined him this season, late in the third quarter of Sunday’s 30-27 loss. He was tackled awkwardly after releasing an incomplete pass and did not return.

With the Falcons’ starting quarterback now out, the New Orleans Saints defense with battle against veteran Kirk Cousins as he is set to assume the starting role. Cousins, who signed a massive contract in 2024 to be the starter before being replaced by Penix late in his rookie season, finished Sunday’s game, completing 6 of 14 passes for 48 yards.

The timing couldn’t be worse for the struggling Falcons (3-7), who are set to face their NFC South rival, the New Orleans Saints, this Sunday (November 23). The Saints, who are resting after a bye week, will host the Falcons in a pivotal divisional matchup. Cousins will be tasked with stabilizing an offense that showed efficiency with Penix (13-of-16 for 175 yards before the injury) but sputtered after his exit.

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Injury Severity and Long-Term Outlook

The full severity of Penix’s injury is still being determined, as he is reportedly seeking a second opinion. Given his history of knee injuries in college, including multiple ACL tears, the outlook is considered “not encouraging.” Penix has been a vital part of the offense this season, completing over 60% of his passes for 1,982 yards with nine touchdowns and three interceptions in his nine games played.

With Penix out, the pressure now falls on Cousins to lead the Falcons through the toughest stretch of their schedule as they attempt to stay relevant in the NFC playoff picture. His performance against the Saints will set the tone for the remainder of the season.

The injury news adds to the uncertainty surrounding the Falcons, who have now lost five straight games. What was once going to be a showdown between rookie quarterbacks, now becomes a battle between rookie, Tyler Shough and veteran, Kurt Cousins.