Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. to Undergo Season-Ending Surgery for Partially Torn ACL

The Atlanta Falcons announced today that quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will undergo season-ending surgery after further medical evaluation revealed a partially torn ACL in his left knee.

Penix, who suffered the injury during Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers, had been initially placed on injured reserve with an estimated four-week absence. However, the updated diagnosis confirmed the severity of the injury, requiring surgical intervention and ending his 2025 campaign.

Head coach Raheem Morris expressed confidence in Penix’s recovery, saying, “The guy is going to come back stronger for us. This organization believes in him.”

The Falcons will now turn to Kirk Cousins, who took over under center following Penix’s injury, as the team’s starting quarterback moving forward. Cousins will lead the offense as Atlanta navigates a critical stretch of the season, including back-to-back road games against the New Orleans Saints (Nov. 23) and New York Jets (Nov. 30), before returning home to face the Seattle Seahawks on Dec. 7.

The Falcons are now under even greater pressure to find consistency and secure wins as they fight to remain competitive in a challenging NFC South. Penix’s injury is a major blow to a team that had counted on the rookie signal-caller’s strong start this season, including a first-half performance against Carolina in which he completed 91.7% of his passes.

Head coach Raheem Morris and the Falcons organization will continue to support Penix through his recovery and rehabilitation while relying on Cousins and the team’s leadership to guide Atlanta through the remainder of the season.