The Atlanta Falcons face a critical decision after starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. suffered a serious knee injury and exited the field during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers in Week 11.
The injury occurred during the third quarter, with Carolina leading 21-16, when Penix Jr. fell awkwardly on his left knee after attempting a pass and was immediately replaced by Kirk Cousins.
Michael Penix Jr. Out for the Rest of the NFL Season
According to the Falcons’ latest update, Penix Jr. “will undergo season-ending surgery for a partially torn ACL” and will miss the remainder of the season. This update confirms the worst possible predictions, which already indicated another serious injury.
This injury raises questions about Penix Jr., who currently ranks 26th in the PFSN’s QB Impact with a D grade. He has a long history of injuries in both college and the NFL, having already missed time this season, as well as four prior injuries throughout his career.
Falcons QB Michael Penix is undergoing season-ending knee surgery. pic.twitter.com/FNLsx660s9
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 19, 2025
Penix Jr.’s college talent was evident, but teams hesitated to invest due to his lengthy injury history. The Falcons took a risk, and now might face significant consequences if his season is lost.
Penix Jr. Has Suffered Other Serious Injuries in His Career
In October 2018, Penix Jr. tore his right ACL and missed the rest of his rookie season at Indiana, where he was called to replace starter Peyton Ramsey against Penn State. He completed 21 of 34 passes for 219 yards and a touchdown.
After recovering from his torn right knee ACL, Penix Jr. was named Indiana’s starting quarterback for the start of the 2019 season. However, his time as a starter was cut short in November, when he suffered a right shoulder injury against Northwestern, requiring surgery on his right sternoclavicular joint.
During the COVID-19-shortened 2020 Big Ten season, Penix Jr. was again Indiana’s starting quarterback and threw 16 touchdowns in six games. His season ended early after he tore his right knee ACL once more. His last college football injury occurred in October 2021, when a dislocated left shoulder in Bloomington led to another early-season finish.
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Penix Jr. then transferred to Washington, where he remained healthy, accumulated 6,700 yards, and achieved a 25-3 record. This successful period led the Falcons to select him with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Penix Jr. started as Kirk Cousins’ backup before becoming a starter recently. However, a bone fracture in his left knee in Week 8 raised red flags before the aggravated injury against the Panthers. Atlanta’s approach to its future will be crucial.
