Falcons’ Michael Penix Reportedly Could Miss Season, Drake London to Miss Time

Atlanta Falcons lost to Carolina Panthers in a Sunday game, and they suffered two injuries that may have ended their season. ESPN reported that ESPN’s Michael Penix Jr. could have suffered a season-ending injury to his knee in the Falcons’ loss on Sunday. NFL Media also reported that wide receiver Drake London sustained a PCL in the same loss. He is expected to be sidelined for at least a game if not longer. Penix had a great performance on Sunday after the Falcons’ disappointing loss to the Indianapolis Colts the week before, but he suffered a bone bruise in his left leg early in the third. Penix’s injury forced him to leave the game. The Falcons went on to lose 30-27 after overtime. Penix was injured when the Falcons were leading by 21-16. Raheem Moris, Falcons coach, did not provide an update about Penix’s condition immediately following the game. Kirk Cousins, if Penix were to miss the rest of the year, would start Sunday’s match against the New Orleans Saints. Penix — now in his second season, but his first as the Falcons’ full-time starting quarterback — has had an up-and-down season. Atlanta is 3-6 after nine games in which he has started. He has completed 60.1% passes for 1,982 yard, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions. His passer rating is 88.5. London’s injury occurred towards the end of regulation. In the last month, he has emerged as one the best wide receivers in the league. London’s 100-yard receiving game on Sunday was his third straight and fifth in six games. London has 60 receptions, 810 yards, and six touchdowns in this season. Cousins was unable to perform well in Penix relief duty, finishing with 6 of 14 yards for 84 and not leading the Falcons into an end zone after five possessions.Morris said, “I want to see Cousins go out today and win.” You know, he did some good work, but you need to get the win. You know, it never feels good when you don’t win the football game.Penix’s numbers were a far cry away from the Colts game in Germany where he went 12 for 28 and 177 yards. Atlanta lost again in overtime. On the Falcons opening possession of third quarter, Penix’s ball was incomplete after Tre’von moehrig, Panthers safety, hit him. He sat on the ground and waited until the athletic trainers arrived. Penix walked up to the sideline on his own and was examined at the injury tent. When he emerged from the tent, Penix sat in the corner while Cousins consulted with Falcons QB coach D.J. Williams.Cousins: “Your heart begins to beat faster.” The Falcons kicked two field goals in five possessions while using Cousins. They had scored three touchdowns during the same time period with Penix.Morris stated that changing quarterbacks will affect your play and play calling. “You have to do what the quarterback does best.”Cousins made a deep pass to London from single coverage, with just 26 seconds left in the game and the Falcons down 27-24. Cousins stated that the pass was incomplete and that it would be a play that is being reviewed in film sessions.Cousins explained, “It could have been a good play, but we’ve got to figure out a way to make it even better.” Do I need to breathe more? Do I need more air? I’ll ask Drake and the coaches. We are trying to win the game there and make a big play.Morris stated that if Cousins starts against the Saints in the next week’s game, he would have an input into the offensive strategy. Cousins’ $40 million contract is the first in a four-year deal. This season, he has thrown 32 of 52 passes (61.5%), for 286 yards, with no TDs.”We’ll go find out what Kirk does well this week,” Morris said. “And so, you know, (offensive coordinator) Zac (Robinson) and those guys will work together, depending on what happens with with Michael, and we’ll be to figure those things out when we get closer to practice on Wednesday.The Associated Press contributed this report. 
2025-11-17 16:51:32