The Atlanta Falcons have announced that quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will require surgery to repair a partially torn left ACL, an injury he sustained during the team’s overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers. The decision to proceed with surgery was made after a second medical opinion, which confirmed the severity of the injury. Penix, 25, will be placed on injured reserve, marking his third season-ending injury in eight seasons across college and the NFL. His previous knee injuries included tearing his right ACL twice in college, highlighting the recurring nature of his setbacks.
Penix’s latest injury is the fifth season-ending injury he has suffered in his career, with the first occurring during his college years. The 25-year-old quarterback’s injury history has been marked by several setbacks, including a torn right ACL in college, which he experienced twice. His latest accident occurred during the third quarter of the Falcons’ 30-27 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers. Despite his injury, Penix has demonstrated resilience, having bounced back from multiple setbacks, as stated by Falcons head coach Raheem Morris.
“The one thing we say about Michael is we know what it’s like to be battle-tested, and he’s shown us that before,” Morris said during a news conference. “You know, the last injury was in 2021. I believe it was a shoulder. I think the last knee was in 2020, and he’s done nothing but come back stronger every single opportunity he’s been given.”
With Penix out, the Falcons have turned to Kirk Cousins as their starting quarterback. Cousins, who signed a four-year, $180 million contract in the same offseason as Penix’s selection, will make his second start of the season against the New Orleans Saints (2-8). Despite completing 61.5% of his passes for 250 yards with no touchdowns in his lone start, Cousins has shown limited effectiveness thus far. The team’s decision to place Penix on injured reserve signals the end of his season, as they prepare to rely on Cousins for the remainder of the season.
Cousins has appeared in three games this season, once as a starter, and is 0-1 in his lone start. He has completed 61.5% of his passes for 250 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. The Falcons are now looking to Cousins to take the reins as their quarterback for the upcoming matchup against the New Orleans Saints. This shift in leadership highlights the challenges faced by the team in managing their quarterback situation, which has been significantly impacted by Penix’s injury.
As the Falcons prepare for their next game, the team is focused on adapting to the changes brought about by Penix’s injury. The coaching staff has expressed confidence in Cousins, despite his lack of success so far, and has emphasized the importance of building a strong foundation for the future. This season has been a test for the team, and they are looking to bounce back and make a strong statement in the remaining games of the season.