The Atlanta Falcons face a significant challenge as starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has been placed on injured reserve due to a left knee injury. This critical update means Penix will miss at least four of the remaining seven games on the 2025 schedule, thrusting veteran Kirk Cousins back into the starting role. This development casts a long shadow over Atlanta’s already struggling 3-7 season and could severely impact their diminishing playoff aspirations.
Michael Penix Jr. Placed on Injured Reserve: Season in Doubt
Atlanta confirmed the move on Monday, November 17, 2025, after Penix sustained the injury during the team’s Week 11 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers. The Falcons, currently on a five-game losing streak, now face an uphill battle without their intended franchise quarterback. Head coach Raheem Morris expressed deep concern, stating he was “hurting for the young man” given Penix’s strong preparation leading up to the game.
The Week 11 Injury Against the Panthers
Penix’s injury occurred in the third quarter of Sunday’s game. With the Falcons holding a 21-16 lead, he was tackled by Carolina safety Tre’von Moehrig on a third-and-10 play after throwing an incomplete pass. Penix was slow to get up and immediately walked to the blue medical tent on the sideline for evaluation. Before exiting, Penix had been playing efficiently, completing 13 of his 16 passes for 175 yards. His departure noticeably shifted the momentum of the game, which Atlanta ultimately lost 30-27 in overtime.
Medical Process & Potential ACL Damage
The Falcons’ official statement confirmed Penix’s placement on the reserve/injured list. The team is actively undergoing a comprehensive medical process to determine the full severity of the injury, including seeking at least one second opinion from an outside doctor. Initial reports from NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero suggest a more serious situation, indicating Penix aggravated a pre-existing bone bruise and knee sprain, and may have also suffered damage to his left ACL, potentially necessitating full reconstruction. If confirmed, this could end his 2025 season prematurely.
Kirk Cousins Steps Back into the Starting Role
With Michael Penix Jr. sidelined, veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins will once again take the reins as the Falcons’ starting quarterback for the foreseeable future. This marks a dramatic shift in the team’s quarterback depth chart, which saw Penix ascend to the starting role just months prior. Cousins finished out Sunday’s game in relief, completing six of his 14 passes for 48 yards.
Penix’s Rise and Cousins’ Previous Bench
The Falcons drafted Penix as the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, intending for him to develop behind Cousins, a seasoned veteran signed to a substantial four-year, $180 million deal in March 2024. However, that plan was accelerated during the 2024 season when Cousins was benched in Week 16 due to performance issues following elbow and shoulder injuries. Penix then started the final three games of 2024 and was named the starter for the 2025 season. This season, Penix has started nine games, leading the Falcons to a 3-6 record in those contests. He completed 60.1% of his passes for an average of 220.2 yards per game, throwing nine touchdowns against three interceptions. While showing flashes of a big arm, he also struggled under pressure and with processing speed at times.
Cousins’ Performance & The Road Ahead
Cousins’ return to the starting lineup comes after a tumultuous period. After his 2024 benching, he’s had limited opportunities this season. His only prior start resulted in a 34-10 loss to Miami in Week 8, where he completed 21 of 31 passes for 173 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. He also had a brief “clean-up” appearance in a Week 3 loss to the Panthers, going 5 of 7 for 29 yards. Head Coach Raheem Morris confirmed that Cousins will now handle all first-team rotations and preparations. The coaching staff, including offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, will work to tailor the offense to Cousins’ strengths. Given his lack of mobility and tendency for fewer deep-field plays, the Falcons are expected to lean more heavily on their talented running backs, Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, in upcoming games.
A Troubling Injury History for Penix
This latest injury adds a concerning chapter to Michael Penix Jr.’s health narrative. The 25-year-old quarterback has faced numerous setbacks throughout his football career, particularly involving his knees. This history raises significant questions about his long-term durability in the NFL.
College Setbacks and 2025’s Second Knee Issue
During his college career at Indiana, Penix suffered four season-ending injuries, including torn ACLs in his right knee in 2018 and 2020. He still wears a brace on that knee. While he had two relatively healthy and highly productive seasons at Washington in 2022 and 2023, his professional career with the Falcons has already seen him miss time due to injury. This recent incident marks his second knee injury of the 2025 season, having previously missed the Week 8 loss to the Miami Dolphins due to a bone bruise in the same left knee. Coach Morris noted he was unsure if the two injuries were directly related. Penix has now accumulated a total of five season-ending or significant injuries in eight years, a pattern that is inherently concerning for any quarterback.
Broader Impact on the Struggling Falcons
Michael Penix Jr.’s injury is a substantial blow to a Falcons team that has significantly underperformed expectations this season. At 3-7 and on a five-game losing streak, the team’s playoff hopes are rapidly fading. The loss of their starting quarterback exacerbates an already challenging situation.
Drake London Also Sidelined
Adding to Atlanta’s injury woes, star wide receiver Drake London is also dealing with a PCL sprain in his left knee, suffered on the final play of regulation against the Panthers. London has been ruled out for Week 12 and is considered “week to week,” potentially missing more time. The absence of both Penix and London removes key playmakers from an offense already struggling for consistency, making offensive movement more challenging.
Playoff Hopes and Team Dynamics
The Falcons, who traded their 2026 first-round pick to draft pass rusher James Pearce Jr., were expected to contend for a playoff spot this season. Instead, they currently hold the No. 8 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The potential season-ending nature of Penix’s injury, combined with the team’s losing streak, suggests that by Week 16, they may well be “playing for pride,” as one report indicates. Furthermore, the financial implications of Kirk Cousins’ substantial contract, especially if he struggles, could create difficult decisions for the franchise in the upcoming offseasons, with potential cap savings if he were released after June 1, 2026. The team faces upcoming games against the two-win Saints and Jets as they attempt to salvage their season without their starting signal-caller.
Looking Ahead: Falcons vs. Saints in Week 12
The Atlanta Falcons will face a crucial NFC South division rival, the New Orleans Saints, this Sunday at Caesars Superdome for their Week 12 matchup. This game will mark Kirk Cousins’ first start since re-assuming the primary quarterback duties. The Falcons will need to quickly adapt their offensive scheme to Cousins’ strengths and rely on a stout defense to try and snap their five-game losing streak. The outcome of this game will be critical in shaping the remainder of Atlanta’s challenging 2025 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full extent of Michael Penix Jr.’s recent knee injury and when could he potentially return?
Michael Penix Jr. sustained a left knee injury in Week 11, leading to his placement on injured reserve. Initial reports suggest he aggravated a bone bruise and sprain, with concerns about damage to his left ACL, potentially requiring reconstruction. The Falcons are currently seeking second opinions to determine the full severity. He will miss a minimum of four games, making his earliest possible return Week 16. However, if ACL damage is confirmed, his season would likely be over.
How does Michael Penix Jr.’s absence reshape the Atlanta Falcons’ offensive strategy with Kirk Cousins at quarterback?
With Penix sidelined, Kirk Cousins’ return means the Falcons’ offense will likely become less mobile and potentially feature fewer deep-field passing plays. Coach Raheem Morris stated Cousins will have input on the offensive game plan, suggesting a tailored approach emphasizing his experience and precision. Expect Atlanta to lean more heavily on its strong running back duo, Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, to control the clock and set up shorter, higher-percentage passes to compensate for the change in quarterback style.
What are the long-term implications of Michael Penix Jr.’s recurring knee injuries for his career and the Falcons’ future?
Penix’s latest injury, his second knee issue this season and fifth significant injury overall (including two college ACL tears), raises serious long-term concerns about his durability. As the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, he represents a significant investment for the Falcons. Repeated knee injuries could impact his mobility, effectiveness, and overall career longevity, forcing Atlanta to re-evaluate their franchise quarterback plans and potentially consider future draft options if his health continues to be a persistent issue.
The Road Ahead for Atlanta
The path forward for the Atlanta Falcons without Michael Penix Jr. will be incredibly challenging. The team must rally around Kirk Cousins and adapt their offensive game plan quickly. The injuries to key players like Penix and Drake London highlight the fragility of NFL seasons and the critical importance of depth. As the Falcons head into Week 12 against the Saints, their ability to navigate these setbacks will determine if they can salvage any part of their once-promising 2025 campaign.
