Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. gives major injury update after hiring of HC Kevin Stefanski

The Atlanta Falcons' quarterback situation is seemingly up in the air following the recent hiring of new head coach Kevin Stefanski. 

Falcons 2025 Week 1 starter Michael Penix Jr. is currently recovering from the surgery he needed this past fall to repair a partially torn ACL. During a recent chat with D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Penix offered a major update on his rehab.

When Michael Penix Jr. hopes to be ready to play later this year

"My expectation is to get healthy as soon as possible," Penix explained (h/t NFL.com). "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."

Stefanski, new team president of football Matt Ryan and a to-be-hired general manager were all working elsewhere when the Falcons made Penix a 2024 first-round draft pick. Meanwhile, Falcons veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins ended this season as the team's starter and previously had Stefanski as a quarterbacks coach and as an offensive coordinator when the two were with the Minnesota Vikings in 2018 and 2019. The Falcons could release Cousins after they restructured his contract, but some within the league believe the 37-year-old is on track to serve as Atlanta's QB1 this coming September. 

Michael Penix Jr. is no stranger to recovering from knee injuries

As for Penix's recovery, he suffered two ACL tears before he entered the NFL. Thus, he is no stranger to making his way back from such setbacks. 

"It's something I've done before," Penix added. "I've always came back stronger. I've always came back better. So, I don't think anything less will happen. I feel like I'm in a good spot right now. I'm getting better each and every day. I'm just taking the rehab one day at a time."

Per Pro Football Talk's Michael David Smith, Stefanski indicated during a recent appearance on NFL Network that no major decision regarding the team's quarterback room will be made before Ryan hires a general manager. Where Penix is in his recovery by the end of February could determine if Cousins is still on the team's roster when the new league year opens in March.