The knee injury that knocked Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. out of Sunday’s game is potentially season-ending, ESPN reported Monday.
The second-year starter aggravated a bone bruise in his left knee early in the third quarter of the 30-27 overtime loss to the visiting Carolina Panthers.
Penix, 25, is seeking a second opinion on the injury but the prognosis “is not encouraging,” per ESPN.
Veteran Kirk Cousins likely will take over as the starter when the Falcons (3-7) attempt to halt a frustrating five-game losing streak on Sunday at New Orleans (2-8).
Penix completed 13 of 16 passes for 175 yards before leaving the Sunday game. Cousins was 6 of 14 for 48 yards, with neither QB throwing a touchdown or an interception.
Drafted eighth overall in 2024, Penix has made nine starts this season and completed 60.1% of his passes for 1,982 yards, nine TDs and three picks.
Cousins, 37, started for the injured Penix in a 34-10 home loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 8. In three games this season, the four-time Pro Bowl selection has completed 32 of 52 passes for 250 yards with no TDs or interceptions.