FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. suffered {a partially} torn left ACL and can want season-ending surgical procedure, the staff introduced Wednesday.
Penix took successful within the third quarter final Sunday in opposition to the Carolina Panthers and injured his knee. He was faraway from the sport and changed by veteran Kirk Cousins, who would be the Falcons’ beginning quarterback for the remainder of this season. The Falcons (3-7) journey to face the division-rival New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
Cousins’ receiving corps will likely be short-handed this weekend. Morris additionally confirmed that vast receiver Drake London will likely be out for the Saints recreation with a PCL harm in his left knee. London injured his knee within the 30-27 additional time loss to the Panthers. Will probably be the second recreation London has missed this season.
Earlier than popping out of that Carolina recreation, London had seven catches for 119 yards. It was his third straight recreation going over 100 yards and his fifth 100-plus-yard recreation up to now six Falcons contests. His earlier profession excessive for 100-yard video games was three final season. London is tied for seventh within the league in receptions (60), fourth in receiving yards (810) and tied for sixth in receiving touchdowns (6).
Falcons coach Raheem Morris stated that he has no timetable for Penix’s return, although he stated it could be “arduous to say no” when requested if Penix could be the staff’s Week 1 starter in 2026. Morris stated he has spoken with Penix and he has been in good spirits.
“Clearly, everyone’s completely different … but it surely was actually optimistic information from all of the docs that checked out it,” Morris stated.
Penix accomplished 60.1% of his passes this season for 1,982 yards with 9 landing passes and three interceptions. He ran for one landing.
Though the hope is that Penix will likely be again subsequent season, Morris stated the Falcons’ offseason technique relating to quarterbacks must change . Cousins appears more likely to be a post-June 1 launch, as a result of the Falcons would have the ability to save $35 million on the wage cap regardless of one other $35 million in useless cap break up between 2026 and 2027, per Spotrac.
“You undoubtedly obtained to go and make some completely different plans,” Morris stated. “We speak in regards to the offseason, however we’ll speak about that and handle that after we get there. Proper now, we obtained to arrange for New Orleans Saints and that is what we’ll do, however that has at all times obtained to be one thing that is in your thoughts regardless and undoubtedly places it in your thoughts a bit bit extra with this occurring.”
The Falcons drafted Penix at No. 8 total within the 2024 draft, regardless of having simply signed Cousins to a $100 million assured contract weeks earlier. Atlanta was betting on Cousins being its quarterback of the current and Penix being its quarterback of the longer term.
Penix, 25, tore his proper ACL twice in faculty. That is Penix’s fifth season-ending harm in eight seasons between faculty and the NFL.
“He has handled it, however what we all know of Mike and all of the stuff that we have finished from our analysis, from all of the accidents he has come again stronger,” Morris stated. “We really feel actually assured that this would be the similar means. I’ve little doubt that Mike’s going to assault this rehab and assault all issues that may get finished to be prepared for his staff and able to go as quickly as doable.”
With Penix’s harm, the Falcons have signed quarterback Easton Keep on with the lively roster from the apply squad and signed quarterback Kyle Trask to the apply squad. Stick will likely be Cousins’ backup.
Penix suffered a bone bruise on his left knee in Week 6 and missed the staff’s Week 7 recreation in opposition to the Miami Dolphins. Cousins began that recreation, a 34-10 defeat.
Cousins is finishing 61.5% of his passes for 250 yards with out a landing or interception.
