Devastating Blow: Falcons' Quarterback Penix to Undergo Season-Ending Knee Surgery
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In a major setback for the Atlanta Falcons, quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will undergo season-ending surgery to repair the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. The 25-year-old suffered the injury in last week's 30-27 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers, which extended the team's losing streak to five games. The Falcons announced Penix's surgery plans two days after placing him on injured reserve, citing a partially torn ligament in the knee. This news leaves veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins as the starter for the remainder of the season. Cousins expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the team, saying, "I never really took it for granted, but certainly when you're out for a while and come back, you understand it is a privilege." The team's offense struggled in Cousins' last start against the Miami Dolphins, but he will now have the advantage of taking all the first-team snaps ahead of Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. The loss of Penix will also impact the team's offseason plan at quarterback, with coach Raheem Morris acknowledging that the team will likely look to free agency or the draft to find a replacement. Penix's recovery schedule is uncertain, but Morris has confidence in the young quarterback's ability to bounce back from the injury. The Falcons will also be without top wide receiver Drake London on Sunday, who has a knee injury of his own. Morris said London's status is "week to week," leaving the team's offense with another challenge to overcome. In related news, inside linebacker Divine Deablo has been designated to return to practice from the reserve/injured list, after missing four games due to a forearm injury. The team will look to find a way to get a win on Sunday, with Cousins at the helm.
