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

The Atlanta Falcons might 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. 

Adam Schefter then reported on Monday, November 17, that, while Penix was seeking a second opinion, this new knee injury could sideline him for the remainder of the season. If that were the case, Atlanta would likely be forced to turn to backup quarterback Kirk Cousins the rest of the year. 

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

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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. 

Michael Penix #falcons

Left knee injury after landing directly on the knee while the knee is flexed. Mechanism can cause a PCL injury. Important that it’s his left leg and the one he pushes off the throw. Let’s hope he’s okay pic.twitter.com/7warJfKI2Y

— Tom Christ, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT (@FantasyInjuryT) November 16, 2025

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?

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 is still being diagnosed, is now considered potentially season-ending, with Penix seeking a second opinion.

ESPN sources: Falcons QB Michael Penix suffered a potentially season-ending knee injury during Sunday’s loss to the Panthers. Penix will be seeking a second opinion, but it is not encouraging. Pic.twitter.com/GiWa64ofSN

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 17, 2025

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Michael Penix Jr. Injury updates

Penix is suspected to have a partially torn ACL, per Zach Klein. The injury is to his left knee. The quarterback had torn the ACL in his right knee twice in college. 

Penix is heading to injured reserve, meaning he has to miss at least the Falcons' next four games. Officially, Ian Rapoport reported that Penix has 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 said that they are still determining the severity of the injury and Penix's return timeline. For now, Kirk Cousins has been named the starter. 

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Suffered a left-knee injury in Sunday’s game against Carolina. We are working through the medical process to determine the severity of the injury. He will be placed on the reserve/injured list and miss a minimum of four games

With… pic.twitter.com/ykeorL2NZM

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) November 17, 2025

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 now may miss the remainder of the 2025 season due to the injury. 

Falcons QB depth chart

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