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Atlanta Falcons announced that quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a partially torn left cruciate ligament.
The team placed Penix on injured reserve Monday with a left knee injury while trying to determine how serious his injury was. After a second opinion, the Falcons decided to go ahead with the surgery.
Penix's latest injury marks the fifth season-ending injury he has suffered in eight college and collegiate seasons. NFL. The 25-year-old tore his right ACL twice in college.
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Atlanta Falcons defensive back Michael Penix Jr. walks off the field after a game against the Carolina Panthers in Atlanta on November 16, 2025. (Brynn Anderson/AP Photo)
“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,” Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said. from Penix during a press conference on Wednesday.
“You know, the last injury was (2021). I think it was the shoulder. I think the last knee was in (2020) and he did nothing but get stronger every opportunity he was given. And when, you know, I think his famous line was, “You know, check his EKG,” and now it's no different. Like, this guy will come back stronger for us. You know, this organization believes in him, his coaches believe in him, his guys believe in him, and he will come back strong.”
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Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) celebrates his touchdown with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) during the first half against the Carolina Panthers in Atlanta on Nov. 16, 2025. (Mike Stewart/AP Photo)
Penix kept the team's 30-27 overtime loss at the team's expense. Carolina Panthers in the third quarter. In his second season in the league, Penix completed just over 60% of his passes for 1,982 yards with nine touchdowns and three interceptions.
The Falcons selected Penix with the eighth overall pick in the first round of last year's NFL Draft despite signing a contract. Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal that same offseason. With Penix gone, Cousins becomes the team's starting quarterback.
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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) passes against the Carolina Panthers during the second half in Atlanta on Nov. 16, 2025. (Brynn Anderson/AP Photo)
Cousins, 37, has appeared in three games this season, once as a starter. He is 0-1 in his only start and has completed 61.5% of his passes for 250 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.
Cousins will make his second start of the season against New Orleans Saints (2-8) Sunday 4:25 pm ET.
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