How long is Michael Penix Jr. out? Knee injury timeline, return date, latest updates on Falcons QB

Teddy Ricketson

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How long is Michael Penix Jr. out? Knee injury timeline, return date, latest updates on Falcons QB image

The Atlanta Falcons will be without starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. For the remainder of the 2025 season.

It was initially reported that the quarterback simply re-aggravated his knee injury, which caused him to miss the Falcons' Week 8 game against the Miami Dolphins. There was hope that it would be another short-term injury, as Atlanta is teetering on being able to compete for an NFC South title. 

However, on Wednesday, November 19, the Falcons confirmed the worst-case scenario for Penix, as he's set to miss an extensive period as Atlanta turns to backup quarterback Kirk Cousins for the rest of the year. 

Here is more on when Penix could return for the Falcons from his latest knee injury.

MORE WEEK 11 NEWS:

What happened to Michael Penix Jr.?

Penix was injured in the second half of the Week 11 loss to the Panthers. He was hit after he threw and was dragged to the ground. Penix was turned awkwardly when he fell and it is likely there that the injury occurred. 

After the injury, Penix was removing his gear on the field and was visibly frustrated with yet another injury. 

How long is Michael Penix Jr. Out?

Michael Penix Jr. Will undergo season-ending knee surgery with a partially torn left ACL, the Falcons announced on Nov. 19.

It was initially reported that Penix had re-aggravated the knee injury that caused him to miss one game earlier in the season. It was expected that he would face a similar diagnosis and miss one game. 

ESPN's Adam Schefter then reported that the knee injury, which was still being diagnosed, was then being considered potentially season-ending, with Penix seeking a second opinion.

Following that second opinion, the Falcons committed to Penix's season-ending surgery, with the official diagnosis of a partially torn ACL. He will not play again in 2025.

MORE WEEK 11 NEWS:

Michael Penix Jr. Injury updates

On Nov. 19, the Falcons ruled Penix out for the season due to upcoming knee surgery for a partially torn ACL. The injury is to his left knee. The quarterback had torn the ACL in his right knee twice in college. 

Penix was placed on injured reserve, but he will not return in the 2025 season. Officially, Ian Rapoport reported that Penix aggravated a bone bruise and knee sprain from earlier in the season, and confirmed that the QB has suffered damage to his ACL. 

The Falcons later confirmed the partially torn ACL for Penix. Now, Kirk Cousins has been named the starter. 

Initially, Penix walked off under his own power and went into the medical tent. He was checked out and ruled questionable to return with a knee injury. Penix wasn't able to return in the overtime loss and will now miss the remainder of the 2025 season due to the injury. 

Falcons QB depth chart

RankPlayer Name
1Michael Penix Jr. (Out)
2Kirk Cousins
3Easton Stick - practice squad
4Emory Jones - IR

Kirk Cousins

Cousins will be the next man up for the Falcons. He was signed in the offseason before Atlanta drafted Penix to a massive four-year, $180 million deal with $100 million guaranteed. Cousins, who has been benched in favor of Penix as of Week 17 in the 2024 season, is playing in only the second year of the deal.

After taking over for Penix in the Week 11 loss to the Panthers, the veteran quarterback finished 6-14 for 48 yards. Cousins started earlier in the season against the Miami Dolphins when Penix was sidelined with a different knee injury, and he finished 21-31 for 173 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. 

Easton Stick

Stick was a fifth-round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2019 NFL Draft. He was with the franchise through the 2024 season, starting only four games in his tenure and compiling a 0-4 record. Stick is currently on the Falcons' practice squad. 

Emory Jones

Jones split his collegiate career between Florida (2018-2021), Arizona State (2022) and Cincinnati (2023) before being undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. He signed with the Baltimore Ravens in the preseason, but ended up landing with the Falcons. The quarterback suffered a concussion in the preseason and instead of being released, was added to injured reserve where he remains. 

Felipe Franks

If the Falcons get really desperate, they could turn to Franks. He has converted to playing tight end in the NFL, but he was a collegiate quarterback at Florida (2016-2019) and Arkansas (2020). While he could have a role similar to New Orleans Saints Swiss army knife Taysom Hill, Franks has only attempted one pass so far in his career and it was an interception in 2021. 

Falcons remaining 2025 schedule

WeekOpponent
12at Saints
13at Jets
14vs. Seahawks
15at Buccaneers
16at Cardinals
17vs. Rams
18vs. Saints
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