Falcons’ Penix set for ACL reconstruction surgery | Falcons at crossroads after lost season, Peni…

Explore the latest developments concerning Falcons' Penix set.

Falcons' Penix set for ACL reconstruction surgery

Stephania Bell breaks down Michael Penix Jr.'s decision to have surgery on his partially torn left ACL. (1:54)

Falcons coach Raheem Morris acknowledged last week that Atlanta will have to make alternative quarterback plans for the 2026 season with Michael Penix Jr. about to undergo surgery to have an ACL reconstructed.

Penix is expected to undergo surgery this week in Los Angeles, and his recovery is expected to take about nine months, sources told ESPN.

If the nine-month period holds up, Penix could be ready for the start of the 2026 season, but there are no certainties, especially for players who have injured both ACLs.

Falcons at crossroads after lost season, Penix injury: ‘I just don’t think it’s going to work’

Michael Penix Jr.'s season ended right as it was trending in a promising direction. Maddie Meyer / Getty Images

The Atlanta Falcons are in the midst of another lost season, but their most recent loss — a divisional defeat at the hands of the Carolina Panthers — exacted the steepest toll yet, potentially ending the season for second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

The latest episode of “The Athletic Football Show” dives into Atlanta’s self-inflicted problems, as Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen look at the peculiar risks taken at the quarterback position and whether Penix’s first season as a starter answered any questions about what the next steps need to be if the Falcons hope to get out of neutral.

Back as Falcons' starting QB, Kirk Cousins urging teammates to 'enjoy the challenge'

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — By no means is Kirk Cousins happy Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. sustained a season-ending knee injury.

However, that doesn't change the reality of the situation for Cousins. He has been tapped to be the Falcons' starter, a role the veteran filled for the majority of last season before getting benched due to performance issues in favor of Penix, then a rookie. Cousins must lead this 3-7 Falcons team into its Week 12 game against the 2-8 New Orleans Saints on Sunday at Caesars Superdome.

"Obviously got a good opportunity against the Saints this week," Cousins said. "But wanted to just acknowledge how tough the injury is for Michael. My heart breaks for him. He's someone who has handled adversity so well through his football journey, and unfortunately, he's having to do it again. But I'm very confident he has a lot of good football ahead of him. …

For more detailed information, explore updates concerning Falcons' Penix set.

For more news…