Falcons quarterback Penix will have season-ending knee surgery, leaving Cousins as starter

By Canadian Press on November 19, 2025.

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Atlanta Falcons quarter Michael Penix Jr. will have season-ending surgery to repair the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

The Falcons announced Penix’s surgery plans on Wednesday, two days after saying he would be placed on injured reserve and miss at least four games. The team said Penix has a partially torn ligament in the knee.

The loss of Penix leaves veteran Kirk Cousins as the starter for the remainder of the season as the Falcons (3-7) prepare to play at New Orleans on Sunday.

Penix suffered the injury in Sunday’s 30-27 overtime loss to Carolina, extending the Falcons’ losing streak to five games.

Coach Raheem Morris is scheduled to speak with reporters later Wednesday.

Penix had two ACL surgeries on his right knee during his college career.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Charles Odum, The Associated Press