Falcons’ Michael Penix Jr. set to miss the rest of the season
Second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a partially torn left ACL. The procedure will be a full ACL reconstruction that will likely push his recovery well into the offseason.
The injury occurred in the third quarter when Penix took a hit that resulted in him landing awkwardly with all his body weight on his left knee.
With Penix done for the season, Kirk Cousins will take over as the starter ahead of the Week 12 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
Cousins voiced his support for Penix as he works through yet another significant injury in his football career.
“He’s someone who has handled adversity so well through his football journey and, unfortunately, he’s having to do it again,” Cousins said via ESPN. “But I’m very confident he has a lot of good football ahead of him. Probably more good football ahead of him than behind him, for sure.
“And so, he has a lot to look forward to, but unfortunately, he’s just going to have to be patient with it. But tough deal, and we’ll be supporting him as he goes through his rehab process.”
Although it isn’t an ideal situation, Cousins returning to the field is a golden opportunity for him to show his worth. He is likely headed toward a post-June 1 release next offseason to save the Falcons $35 million in salary cap space.
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It would result in another $35 million in dead cap being split between 2026 and 2027. Cousins will be playing for his next contract, which could come from elsewhere for the next chapter of his career.
In three games this season, he has completed 32 of 52 passes for 250 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.
