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Michael Penix Jr. injury update: Falcons QB sets return date from knee surgery

Brian Jones Profile Picby: Brian Jones01/28/26brianjones_93

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is looking to return from knee surgery when the team kicks off the 2026 season in September. In an interview with D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Penix gave an update on his knee and revealed when he expects to be ready for action.

“My expectation is to get healthy as soon as possible,” Penix said. “Obviously, it’s up to the doctor. He has the last word (on Penix’s availability to play). I know that whenever he does give me that word, I’ll be 100% confident in everything that I can do.

“So, I’m super excited for it. For me, I look forward to being back Week 1, but, like I said, we’ll see. I just got to do everything in my power to make sure I’m ready for that.”

Michael Penix Jr. began the 2025 season as the starting QB and played in nine games. He was placed on injured reserve on Nov. 17 due to a left knee injury he suffered in the Week 11 game against the Carolina Panthers. Two days later, the Falcons announced Penix would undergo season-ending surgery to repair a partially torn ACL. In those nine games, Penix completed 60.1 percent of his passes for 1,982 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions with an 88.5 passer rating.

New Falcons HC Kevin Stefanski shares thoughts on Michael Penix Jr.

The Falcons selected Penix at No. 8 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. The expectation the Falcons have is that he will be the team’s next franchise quarterback after Matt Ryan led the franchise from 2008 to 2021. Before the Falcons drafted Penix, they signed veteran QB Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal. It’s possible Cousins could get cut next month after the Falcons restructured his contract.

At the end of the 2025 season, the Falcons fired head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot. Earlier this month, the Falcons brought back Ryan to be the President of Football. Ryan then hired Kevin Stefanski to be the head coach.

This week, Stefanski shared his thoughts on Penix. “Michael, again, just excited about the physical gifts,” Stefanski said. “What’s most important right now for Michael is to get healthy. He knows that. And we’ll get to football here shortly, but he’s attacking his rehab.”