Michael Penix Jr.’s Injury Sparks Uncertainty: What It Means for Falcons’ Season Ahead

So here we are again—Atlanta Falcons facing yet another gut punch, and honestly, it’s starting to feel like a never-ending saga of misfortune. Just when you think the Falcons might catch a break after a brutal sweep by the Panthers, bam! Their starting quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., suffers what might be another season-ending knee injury. Now, this isn’t exactly a shocker given Penix’s notorious history with ACL tears and that persistent bone bruise that sidelined him recently. But still, you can’t help but wonder—how does a team hope to build around a guy who’s practically made injury rehab his offseason hobby? With Penix likely out, the Falcons are turning back to Kirk Cousins, whose recent performances haven’t exactly inspired confidence. So, the million-dollar question is: can Atlanta even dream of climbing out of this NFC South mess with their offensive arsenal suddenly looking so fragile? It’s a tough pill to swallow, but that’s the harsh reality facing the Falcons right now.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 23: Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after their 31-0 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 23, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. — (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Atlanta Falcons can’t catch a break right now. On top of being swept by the Carolina Panthers with a Week 11 loss at home, they will now be without their starting quarterback as well.

According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, the Falcons got a worrisome injury update on Michael Penix Jr.

“Michael Penix suffered season-ending ACL tears to his left knee in both 2018 and 2020 in college. He also missed a game this season in Week 8 after sustaining a bone bruise to that same knee in Week 7. And now this latest injury could sideline him for the rest of the 2025 season,” Schefter wrote on X.

ESPN sources: Falcons QB Michael Penix suffered a potentially season-ending knee injury during Sunday’s loss to the Panthers. Penix will be seeking a second opinion, but it is not encouraging. pic.twitter.com/GiWa64ofSN

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 17, 2025

Unfortunately, this is far from a surprise. The first-round pick from the 2024 NFL Draft sustained multiple major injuries throughout the course of his long collegiate career.

That cast doubts about his durability, and it didn’t take long before he proved them right. Given his history, that’s not likely to change.

Penix has been fairly disappointing this season. Even when healthy, he hasn’t looked like the elite passer with outstanding arm talent he was in college. Also, the injury concerns have forced him to be more of a pocket quarterback, so he doesn’t bring much mobility to the table, either.

The Falcons will now turn back to veteran Kirk Cousins. The former starter hasn’t looked good in his limited appearances this season after getting benched last year.

Atlanta has failed to keep up with the Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South. Despite many playmakers on offense, it looks like the Falcons will miss the playoffs again, especially with Penix now possibly out for the season.

The post Falcons Get Worrisome Injury Update On Michael Penix Jr. appeared first on The Cold Wire.