The Atlanta Falcons fell to a 3-7 record after a tough 30-27 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. The game took place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in front of 70,739 fans.
Second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. left the game in the third quarter due to a knee injury. At the time of his exit, the Falcons were leading 21-16. Kirk Cousins stepped in as his replacement, completing 6 of 14 passes for 48 yards. However, Cousins was unable to lead Atlanta to a scoring drive during their only possession in overtime, resulting in a three-and-out and a punt.
Looking ahead, the Falcons have a more favorable schedule with upcoming matchups against the 2-8 New Orleans Saints in Week 12 and the 2-8 New York Jets in Week 13. However, it remains uncertain if Penix will be able to start in these games.
According to NFL Network reporters Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, the Falcons believe Penix could miss “some time” due to the knee injury. Rapoport posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr is believed to have aggravated the same knee injury as earlier in the season, per me and Tom Pelissero. That bone bruise in the same knee kept him out one game. More tests coming, but there is concern he’ll miss some time.”
Penix previously missed the Falcons’ 34-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins on October 26. In that game, Cousins struggled, going 21 of 31 for 173 yards, while Atlanta managed just 45 rushing yards and one touchdown.
Through his first eight games this season, Penix has thrown for 1,807 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions. Cousins, meanwhile, has appeared in two games, throwing for 202 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.
This injury could seriously impact Atlanta’s chances of staying in the NFC playoff hunt. Currently sitting 13th in the NFC, the Falcons desperately need to secure wins against the Saints and Jets in the coming weeks to keep their postseason hopes alive.
https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/falcons-panthers-concern-michael-penix-jr-nfl-11056586