Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. (knee) on IR

Field Level Media|published: Mon 17th November, 14:17 2025

Nov 16, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) looks to pass in the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The knee injury that knocked Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. out of Sunday's game has landed him on injured reserve.

The second-year starter aggravated a bone bruise in his left knee early in the third quarter of the 30-27 overtime loss to the visiting Carolina Panthers.

"We are working through the medical process to determine the severity of the injury," the team said in a statement. "He will be placed on the reserve/injured list and miss a minimum of four games."

The Falcons announced veteran Kirk Cousins will take over as the starting quarterback "at this time."

Atlanta (3-7) will attempt to halt a frustrating five-game losing streak on Sunday at New Orleans (2-8).

Penix completed 13 of 16 passes for 175 yards before leaving the Sunday game. Cousins was 6 of 14 for 48 yards, with neither QB throwing a touchdown or an interception.

Drafted eighth overall in 2024, Penix has made nine starts this season and completed 60.1% of his passes for 1,982 yards, nine TDs and three picks.

Cousins, 37, started for the injured Penix in a 34-10 home loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 8. In three games this season, the four-time Pro Bowl selection has completed 32 of 52 passes for 250 yards with no TDs or interceptions.

Penix has a lengthy injury. While in college at Indiana, he suffered four significant injuries -- torn ACLs in 2018 and 2022 and shoulder injuries in 2019 and 2021. He transferred to Washington and played his final two college seasons without injury.

--Field Level Media