Trying to preserve a 21-16 lead against the Carolina Panthers, the Atlanta Falcons’ afternoon just got a little more difficult as second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. left the Week 11 game with a knee injury.
While the majority of the Falcons’ offensive damage came on the ground from running back Bijan Robinson, losing Penix is not a comforting feeling for Atlanta. Here’s everything we know about the young QB’s injury.
What Happened to Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr.?
Late in the third quarter against the Panthers, Penix was brought down by safety Tre’von Moehrig. During the tackle, Penix landed on his left knee while it was flexed. While he was able to get up and walk off under his own power, he left with a noticeable limp.
What’s important to think about regarding the injury for Penix is that, while the injury was to his left leg, since he throws with his left hand, that is the leg he pushes off on.
On Monday, NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that Penix has likely suffered a season-ending injury.
“Falcons QB Michael Penix suffered a potentially season-ending knee injury during Sunday’s loss to the Panthers,” Schefter wrote on X. “Penix will be seeking a second opinion, but it is not encouraging.”
Falcons reporter Zach Klein also provided a devastating update on the quarterback. “Per NFL league source, Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. had a partially torn ACL,” he wrote on X. “While he’s seeking a 2nd medical opinion, the feeling is he’s done for the season.”
Ian Rapoport also provided an update on Penix and reported that the Falcons have placed him on the injured reserve. “Michael Penix Jr is headed to Injured Reserve after aggravating a bone bruise and knee sprain from earlier in the season, sources tell me and Tom Pelissero,” Rapoport wrote on X. “Additionally, there has been damage to the ACL, which could mean a full reconstruction. Kirk Cousins is up.”
With Penix out, Kirk Cousins will start for the Falcons next week against the New Orleans Saints. In the 30-27 overtime loss to the Panthers, Cousins completed just 6/14 throws for 48 yards with no touchdowns and an interception.
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The Falcons’ offense ranks 14th in the league according to PFSN’s Offensive Impact rating, earning an impact score of 75.6, and is graded C.
Fantasy Impact of Penix’s Injury
No one is starting Penix in fantasy outside of Superflex leagues. But everyone is starting Drake London and Bijan Robinson. Penix wasn’t great today, completing 13 of 16 passes for 175 yards. However, he kept the ball out of harm’s way as the rushing attack took over against the Panthers in Week 11.
We’ve already seen what the Falcons’ offense looks like with Kirk Cousins. The wily veteran does not appear to have anything left. With Penix out, it would be a significant downgrade for all offensive weapons.
London would go from an elite WR1 to a mid WR2. Robinson would still be fine because the Falcons would lean on the run even more. However, it might be time for the Falcons to turn their attention to next season, given their 3-7 record after Week 11.
Atlanta still has games against the Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Los Angeles Rams down the stretch. Suppose they are unable to find a way to defeat the Panthers. In that case, a ten-loss season seems inevitable, which would be particularly disappointing given that the Rams own Atlanta’s first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.