On Sunday in Week 11, the Falcons have been at residence to face the Panthers. Earlier this season, Atlanta misplaced 30-0 to Carolina in Week 3. The Falcons have been swept within the season sequence by the Panthers and are 3-7 in 2025.
Atlanta nonetheless has seven video games left in 2025. Towards the Panthers on Sunday, beginning QB Michael Penix Jr. re-aggravated a knee harm from earlier within the 12 months. Penix was compelled to exit early, and Kirk Cousins got here in to complete the sport. NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the Falcons are fearful Penix suffered a season-ending knee harm. Michael Penix is looking for a second opinion. If Penix is unable to play the remainder of the 12 months, Kirk Cousins will take over.
Kirk Cousins is greater than prepared to complete the season at QB for the Falcons
ESPN sources: Falcons QB Michael Penix suffered a probably season-ending knee harm throughout Sunday’s loss to the Panthers. Penix can be looking for a second opinion, however it isn’t encouraging. pic.twitter.com/GiWa64ofSN
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 17, 2025
Within the 2024 NFL draft, the Falcons used the eighth general choose to pick Michael Penix Jr. out of Washington. He was one in every of six quarterbacks taken within the prime 12 picks of his draft class. The NFL media was shocked to see the Falcons choose Penix. Only one month earlier than the 2024 NFL draft, Atlanta signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract.
Cousins began the primary 14 video games of the 2024 season for the Falcons. Michael Penix Jr. began the ultimate three video games and was the starter to start the 2025 season. Kirk Cousins is being paid $40+ million per season to be the Falcons’ backup. Nonetheless, Michael Penix re-aggravated a knee harm in Week 11. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the staff is fearful that Penix might miss the rest of the season.
Michael Penix overcame a lot already:
2018 torn ACL
2019 season-ending shoulder surgical procedure
2020 torn ACL
2025 one other season-ending knee harmHe’ll be again 🙏 pic.twitter.com/BIz1qPHZtA
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) November 17, 2025
The 25-year-old QB is looking for a second medical opinion. If Penix is unable to go, Kirk Cousins might begin the ultimate seven video games of 2025. The veteran QB has appeared in three video games and made one begin this season. Cousins performed for Micahel Penix, who suffered a bone bruise. He missed their Week 8 contest vs. the Dolphis. The Falcons misplaced that sport 34-10.
Micahel Penix re-injured the identical knee that compelled him to overlook one begin earlier within the 12 months. In faculty, Michael Penix Jr. tore his ACL in 2018 and 2020 in his proper knee. Penix suffered a bone bruise in Week 7 in his left knee. To make issues worse, Penix reinjured his left knee in Sunday’s loss to the Panthers. Now, Penix might miss the ultimate seven video games of the 2025 season. Not very best for the 3-7 Falcons who’re in line to overlook the playoffs for the eighth consecutive season.
