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Falcons' Michael Penix Jr. Out for Season With Partially Torn ACL as Kirk Cousins Takes Over

A projected nine-month rehab places his return near mid-August 2026, raising questions about Atlanta’s quarterback plan beyond this season.

Overview

  • Atlanta announced Wednesday that Michael Penix Jr. has a partially torn ACL in his left knee and will undergo season-ending surgery.
  • The injury occurred on a third-quarter hit in the Week 11 overtime loss to the Panthers after an earlier left-knee bone bruise this season.
  • Kirk Cousins is listed as the starter for the rest of 2025, with Atlanta 3-7 and visiting the Saints in Week 12.
  • Coach Raheem Morris offered no firm timetable for Penix’s return, while reporting from NFL Network projects roughly nine months of recovery that could affect his 2026 Week 1 availability.
  • The Falcons signed Easton Stick to the active roster as Cousins’ backup and added Kyle Trask to the practice squad; top receiver Drake London is out this week with a PCL injury.