Second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is out for the season after having surgery to fix a partially torn left ACL. The procedure, a full ACL reconstruction, is expected to extend his recovery into the offseason.
The injury happened in the third quarter when Penix took a hit that caused him to land awkwardly on his left knee.
With Penix sidelined, Kirk Cousins will start in the Week 12 game against the New Orleans Saints.
Cousins expressed support for Penix as he deals with this latest significant injury in his football career.
“He’s someone who has handled adversity so well through his football journey and, unfortunately, he’s having to do it again,” Cousins said. “But I’m very confident he has a lot of good football ahead of him. Probably more good football ahead of him than behind him, for sure.
“And so, he has a lot to look forward to, but unfortunately, he’s just going to have to be patient with it. But tough deal, and we’ll be supporting him as he goes through his rehab process.”
While the situation isn’t ideal, Cousins has a chance to demonstrate his value on the field. He is likely to be released post-June 1 next offseason to save the Falcons $35 million in salary cap space.
This move would also result in another $35 million in dead cap being split between 2026 and 2027. Cousins will be aiming for his next contract, possibly with another team in the future.
In three games this season, Cousins has completed 32 of 52 passes for 250 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.
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