The Atlanta Falcons announced on Wednesday that quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will require season-ending surgery to repair a partially torn left ACL, an injury he sustained during the team’s 30-27 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers. The decision to undergo surgery came after the team placed Penix on injured reserve on Monday and obtained a second opinion. Penix, who is entering his second season in the NFL, has now experienced five season-ending injuries in his career, including double ACL tears in both college and the NFL.
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris praised Penix’s resilience during a press conference, noting that the quarterback has consistently bounced back from previous injuries. Morris pointed to Penix’s history of overcoming setbacks, including a shoulder injury in 2021 and a previous knee injury in 2020. The coach expressed confidence in Penix’s ability to return stronger, stating, ‘The guy is going to come back stronger for us. You know this organization believes in him, his coaches believe in him, his guys believe in him, and he’s going to come back strong for us.’
With Penix out for the rest of the season, the Falcons will turn to Kirk Cousins, their fourth-year quarterback, to lead the team. Cousins, who was signed to a four-year, $180 million contract in the same offseason as Penix’s draft selection, will make his second start of the season against the New Orleans Saints. Cousins has completed 61.5% of his passes for 250 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions, despite appearing in only three games this season.