Falcons QB Placed on IR, Likely Out for Season
The Atlanta Falcons have confirmed that quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has been placed on injured reserve. This decision follows a knee injury he sustained during their recent game against the Carolina Panthers.
Details of the Injury
During the match on November 16, 2025, Penix Jr. left the game with a left knee injury, which is now identified as an ACL injury. Reports indicate that he also re-aggravated a prior bone bruise in the same knee. NFL Network analysts Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero noted that this could necessitate full reconstruction of the ACL.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter added that the severity of the injury may lead to a season-ending situation for the quarterback. Penix Jr. is expected to seek a second opinion, although initial assessments are not promising.
Game Recap
In that game, the Falcons were leading 21-16 midway through the third quarter when Penix Jr. attempted to pass. His awkward landing on his left knee forced him to exit, and he was replaced by backup quarterback Kirk Cousins. Eventually, the Falcons fell to the Panthers with a score of 30-27 in overtime, marking their overall record at 3-7 for the season.
Penix Jr.’s Injury History
This latest injury adds to a troubling history for Penix Jr. The 25-year-old quarterback had previously missed games due to a bone bruise in the same knee. Throughout his career, he has faced multiple severe injuries, including:
- Torn ACL in his right knee during his freshman year at Indiana (2018)
- Re-tearing of the same ACL in 2020, which sidelined him for that season
- Multiple season-ending shoulder injuries in 2019 and 2021
Despite struggling with injuries early in his career, he managed to play two healthy seasons with the Washington Huskies in 2022 and 2023. Unfortunately, his injury woes seem to have resurfaced just when he was starting to build momentum.
Looking Ahead
The Falcons are now focused on addressing Penix Jr.’s recovery. They hope he will return to full health ahead of the 2026 NFL season. In the meantime, their backup quarterback Kirk Cousins will need to step up to lead the team.
