Michael Penix could be out for the remainder of the 2025 season after suffering a knee injury during the Atlanta Falcons\' overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers. Kirk Cousins will take over as the Falcons\' starter.
Penix has completed 60.1 percent of his 276 passes for 1,982 yards, nine touchdowns and three inception for a QBR of 56.4, which ranks 17th in the NFL.
Penix was the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft out of Washington, with the selection coming shortly after the Falcons signed Cousins in free agency. Penix previously tore the ACL in his left knee in 2018 and 2020 while in college.
The Falcons have a 3-7 record with both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers ahead of them in the NFC South standings. The Los Angeles Rams own the Falcons\' first round pick in the 2026 NFL draft following their acquisition of the 26th overall pick to select edge rush James Pearce Jr.