Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will miss the rest of the NFL season after doctors confirmed he suffered a partially torn ACL in his left knee, the team announced Wednesday. The 25-year-old will undergo season-ending reconstructive surgery, ending what was supposed to be his full breakout year as Atlanta’s quarterback of the future.
What happened?
Penix was injured during Sunday’s 30–27 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers, the Falcons’ fifth straight defeat. He was hit by safety Tre’von Moehrig shortly after releasing a pass, walked a few steps, then went down for medical attention. Despite leaving the field under his own power, further tests revealed ligament damage.
This is the fifth season-ending injury of Penix’s college and NFL career and his third ACL tear, raising new concerns about his long-term durability.
Who steps in now?
With Penix done for 2025, veteran Kirk Cousins will start for the remainder of the season. Atlanta also promoted Easton Stick to the active roster and signed Kyle Trask as additional quarterback depth.
Coach Raheem Morris admitted Penix’s injury will “100%” impact the offseason quarterback plans, signalling the Falcons may need to explore the draft or free agency if Penix isn’t ready for Week 1 of 2026.
Cousins expressed support for Penix, saying his “heart breaks” for the young quarterback and praising how he has handled adversity throughout his career.
How Penix was performing before the injury
Before going down, Penix completed 60.1% of his passes for 1,982 yards, with nine touchdowns and three interceptions this season. He was 13 of 16 for 175 yards against Carolina and appeared finally settled after an uneven start to the year.
The Falcons are 3–7 entering their matchup against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
Injuries piling up for Atlanta
Atlanta will also be without star wide receiver Drake London, who suffered a knee injury in the same game. London is listed as week-to-week, ending a strong run where he recorded three straight 100-yard games.
The Falcons drafted Penix 8th overall in 2024, planning for him to take over once Cousins’ contract wound down. Now, with Penix facing another long rehab and Cousins likely to be a post-June 1 release for salary-cap reasons, Atlanta’s quarterback future is once again uncertain.
