Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will undergo season-ending surgery for a partially torn ACL in his left knee, the team announced Wednesday. Kirk Cousins will start the remaining seven games after Penix suffered the injury during Sunday\'s 30-27 loss to the Carolina Panthers, his fifth season-ending injury dating back to college.
The second-year starter left Sunday\'s game in the third quarter after being hit by a blitzing defender. Penix had two collegiate seasons cut short by ACL tears in his right knee and already missed one game this season due to a bone bruise.
Head coach Raheem Morris acknowledged Wednesday that Penix may not be ready for Week 1 of 2026. The quarterback will be 26 when he returns and faces an uncertain recovery timeline.
\"It would be hard for me to say no right now,\" Morris said. \"I have nothing but confidence in Mike to bounce back and get to that point to be able to play for us.\"
Cousins started 14 games last season after signing a four-year, $180 million contract in 2024, the largest total value free-agency deal in NFL history. He was benched after 14 games and replaced by Penix, then requested a trade this offseason that Atlanta declined.
The 13-year veteran will reclaim the starting job for a struggling 5-6 Falcons team that has lost five straight games.
Penix ranked 25th in EPA per dropback (0.00) and 29th in completion percentage (60.1) through 10 games this season. The injury could allow the young quarterback to reset heading into 2026, though his injury history now includes five season-ending ailments.
\"You definitely have to go out and make some different plans about the offseason but we will address that when we get there,\" Morris said.
Wide receiver Drake London could also miss multiple games due to a knee injury suffered Sunday, according to NFL Network\'s Ian Rapoport.