In a significant setback for the Atlanta Falcons, quarterback Michael Penix Jr. exited the game against the Carolina Panthers due to a knee injury. The incident occurred during the third quarter on November 19, 2023, when Penix was hit while attempting a third-down pass. With just 5:22 remaining in the quarter, he fell to the ground after getting up briefly and subsequently removed his helmet, signaling his inability to continue.
Penix’s departure from the game forced the Falcons to turn to veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who took over the offense in the next series. Before his exit, Penix had an impressive performance, completing 13 of 16 passes for a total of 175 yards. This injury follows a previous incident in Week 7, where he suffered a bone bruise in his left knee against the San Francisco 49ers. That injury sidelined him for the subsequent game against the Miami Dolphins, which Cousins started, resulting in a 34-10 defeat for Atlanta.
The Falcons had been optimistic about Penix’s ability to lead the team this season, particularly after a productive start. His performance against the Panthers highlighted his potential, but this latest injury raises concerns about his availability moving forward. The extent of the injury has yet to be confirmed, and the team will likely conduct further evaluations in the coming days.
As the Falcons navigate this challenging situation, they face a critical period in their season. With Cousins stepping in, the team will need to quickly adjust to maintain momentum in a competitive NFC South division. The outcome of this game and Penix’s recovery will be pivotal for Atlanta as they aim to secure their playoff positioning.
