Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Falcons Make Michael Penix Jr. Decision on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Nov 17, 2025 2:30 PM ET

The Atlanta Falcons have been in plenty of close games this season, but they haven't been clutch in key moments. They're now 2-5 in contests decided by two possessions or less after Sunday's 30-27 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers.

To make matters worse, starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. left the Panthers game early after sustaining a knee injury. The former Washington Huskie finished with 13 completions in 16 attempts for 175 yards as well as nine rushing yards on one carry.

Veteran backup Kirk Cousins came in and completed six of 14 passes for 48 yards along with two rushing yards on one carry. Star running back Bikan Robinson logged 104 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries, while star receiver Drake London tallied 119 receiving yards on seven catches. However, that wasn't enough to get the win.

The Falcons announced a roster decision on Monday, via their social media.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) © Brett Davis-Imagn Images

"Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. suffered a left-knee injury in Sunday’s game against Carolina," they said. "We are working through the medical process to determine the severity of the injury. He will be placed on the reserve/injured list and miss a minimum of four games."

"With the move, Kirk Cousins will assume the starting quarterback role for the Falcons at this time," they continued.

Penix is not expected to play again this season, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. suffered a left-knee injury in Sunday’s game against Carolina. We are working through the medical process to determine the severity of the injury. He will be placed on the reserve/injured list and miss a minimum of four games

With… pic.twitter.com/ykeorL2NZM
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) November 17, 2025

Falcons Embroiled in Another Lost Season

At 3-7, Atlanta is likely to miss the playoffs for the eighth straight year. It's currently 13th in the NFC, 3.5 games behind the San Francisco 49ers for the seventh and final playoff seed.

However, there are positives for Falcons fans to cling to. For example, Robinson ranks sixth in the NFL with 783 rushing yards and third with 1,289 scrimmage yards, per Pro Football Reference. Additionally, London is tied for seventh with 60 catches, is fourth with 810 receiving yards, and is tied for sixth with six touchdown receptions.

That means Atlanta has two of the best skill-position players in the NFL, although the front office must make contractual decisions with both players over the next couple of years. London has a club option for 2026 and Robinson has one for 2027, per Spotrac.

It would behoove the team to extend each of them, as they'd help Penix develop long-term. The 25-year-old ranks 17th with a 56.4 ESPN QBR, which is slightly below average.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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