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Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. leaves game after knee injury; Cousins enters

For second time this season, Falcons’ starter is out giving way to backup Cousins
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) signals during warm-ups before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) signals during warm-ups before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)
By
Nov 16, 2025

Falcons starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. left Sunday’s game after sustaining a knee injury.

Penix didn’t return on the next offensive series and backup Kirk Cousins took over as the signal-caller late in the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The injury to Penix came as he was evading the pass rush and a Penix landed on his left knee awkwardly.

At the time, the Falcons were leading, 21-16, with Penix leading the way, going 13-for-16 for 175 yards and no interceptions.

This is a developing story; please check back for updates.

About the Author

Rod Beard is the Senior Sports Editor for pro sports at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, joining the team after 20-plus years at The Detroit News, where he was a beat writer for the Pistons for seven years, after five years covering the Michigan men's basketball team.

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