Falcons' QB Michael Penix Placed on Injured Reserve, Could Miss Four Games with Knee Injury

Image Source: Internet

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix has been placed on injured reserve due to a left knee injury, which will keep him out of action for at least four games. The 2024 first-round pick suffered the injury during the team's 30-27 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Penix's injury has significant implications for the Falcons, who have now lost five consecutive games. The team's top wide receiver, Drake London, is also facing a knee injury and may miss at least one week of action. Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins will take over as the starter for the Falcons, who will face the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Cousins will make his second start of the season, and the team is hoping he can lead them to a turnaround. Falcons coach Raheem Morris expressed concern for Penix, who was seeking a second opinion after undergoing an MRI on his knee. While Morris did not confirm the extent of the injury, he acknowledged that Penix's experience with anterior cruciate ligament injuries in college adds to the uncertainty. The Falcons' offense struggled in Cousins' first start of the season, and the team will need to rely on their running game, led by Bijan Robinson, to move forward. With the offense missing key players, Cousins will face a significant challenge in preventing the team's eighth consecutive losing season since their last playoff appearance in 2017. Cousins remains optimistic, saying, "You just get back to work and trust your training, and you’ve got to stay the course, believe that tough times don’t last and tough people do, and that’s all you can do.” The Falcons will need to rally behind Cousins if they hope to turn their season around.