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The Atlanta Falcons and their fans certainly envisioned this season going much differently than it has, as they fell further behind in the NFC South after a Week 11 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers. Atlanta’s revamped defense took a step back and gave up 448 passing yards to Bryce Young.
To make matters worse, the team had to deal with the concern of losing a pivotal member of its offense. Now, it’s been announced that a key Falcons player will have season-ending ACL surgery.
“Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr does, in fact, need surgery to repair his ACL, with nine months of recovery, at least, coming. He’s sought the opinion of experts, including from Dr. Neal ElAttrache. Penix has an ACL sprain, but full reconstruction is needed,” Ian Rapoport wrote on X.
#Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr does, in fact, need surgery to repair his ACL, with 9 months of recovery, at least, coming.
He’s sought the opinion of experts, including from Dr. Neal ElAttrache. Penix has an ACL sprain, but full reconstruction is needed. pic.twitter.com/rdz34X1eAh
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 19, 2025
It’s a brutal development for Penix, who will have a third ACL surgery on the same knee. He has now suffered season-ending injuries in five of his past eight seasons dating to college.
Because he suffered this injury so late in this season, it’s unclear if he’ll be ready for Week 1 next season, especially considering his history. At 25 years old, he can certainly bounce back, but it’s still a massive setback during a nightmare season.
Luckily, Atlanta still has Kirk Cousins to turn to, and the veteran will try to turn back the clock and start playing like the quarterback Atlanta was hoping for when it signed him last offseason, before adding Penix in the 2024 NFL Draft. The playoffs may be long gone, but perhaps the Falcons can build some positive momentum heading into this offseason.
NEXT: Raheem Morris Expresses Confidence In Falcons QB’s Comeback
