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Michael Penix injury update: Falcons QB questionable to return vs Panthers

Barkley-Truaxby: Barkley Truax11/16/25BarkleyTruax
Michael Penix Jr (1)
Dec 16, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) warms up before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Falcons QB Michael Penix appeared to suffer an apparent leg injury in the second half against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Penix took a hit after a throw and his knee folded awkwardly underneath him.

Penix was evaluated further in the Atlanta medical tent. Kirk Cousins is expected to take the field if he is unable to get back in the game. Penix was labeled questionable to return.

The Falcons were leading the Panthers 21-16 during the third quarter when Penix left the game. Before getting injured, the former Washington star completed 13 of his 16 passing attempts for 175 yards and did not throw a touchdown or an interception.

Penix is in his first full season as the Falcons starting quarterback after being given the reigns during the final three games of his rookie season. He finished 2024 with his appearances and three starts totaling 775 passing yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions.

During year two, Penix has thrown for 1,807 yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions this season. He’s led Atlanta to a 3-6 record through 10 weeks as the Falcons have lost their last four games.

With Penix out, they’re in danger of dropping another one. However, Cousins is a longtime starter and NFL veteran, so the Falcons may have to lean on his the rest of the way.

Atlanta drafted Penix with the No. 8 overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He spent his first four seasons playing for Indiana before hitting the transfer portal and joining Kalen DeBoer and the Huskies for his final two years.

During his final two seasons with the Huskies, Penix became the first college quarterback to throw for over 4,500 yards in back-to-back seasons since Patrick Mahomes did it at Texas Tech. He firmly cemented his status as one of the best quarterbacks in college football history, guiding the Huskies to a berth in the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship. He also finished second in the voting for the Heisman Trophy, with current Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels bringing home the honor.

It remains to be seen whether Penix will have to miss any time with the injury, but losing their QB1 for any time would be a major blow to the Falcons’ offense. For now, fans can watch what appears to be an exciting finish to Sunday’s matchup live on FOX.