Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and wide receiver Drake London both sustained knee injuries during Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers, leaving their status for upcoming games uncertain.
The incident occurred in the third quarter while Atlanta led 21-16. On a third-and-10 play from the Falcons’ own 22-yard line, Penix threw an incomplete pass under pressure before being tackled to the ground. He was visibly in pain, grabbing his knees before making his way to the sideline and eventually lying down on the field. Trainers attended to him and escorted him into the medical tent.
Shortly after, it was announced that Penix was questionable to return due to a knee injury; he did not re-enter the game. Kirk Cousins replaced him at quarterback for the remainder of the contest.
Head coach Raheem Morris did not provide specifics on Penix’s injury during his postgame remarks. “We’ve got to go see where the knee is and where he’s at,” Morris said.
Penix has previously overcome two ACL tears during his college career at the University of Washington and currently wears a brace on his right knee for added protection. After Sunday’s game, Morris noted uncertainty about which knee was affected: “I think it was the same knee that it was previous to this injury,” he said. “That wasn’t really the focus for me right there at the time. I can find out for you tomorrow.”
Before exiting, Penix had completed 13 of 16 passes for 175 yards without any touchdowns or interceptions, posting a passer rating of 112.2.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Penix may have aggravated an existing injury—the same knee issue that kept him sidelined in Atlanta’s Week 8 loss to Miami.
Further details about Penix’s condition are expected Monday, but his availability for Atlanta’s Week 12 matchup against New Orleans remains in question. If he cannot play, Cousins would likely start in his place. The Falcons retained Cousins this season as an experienced backup option.
“We’ll go find out what Kirk does well this week,” Morris said. “I’m sure he’ll have some input on it, and so will Zac (Robinson). Those guys will work together, depending on what happens with Michael. And we’ll be able to figure those things out when we get closer to practice on Wednesday.”
Cousins completed six of fourteen passes for 48 yards in relief duty, including several dropped passes by receivers but managed a late drive that nearly resulted in a go-ahead score.
Late in regulation, Cousins targeted London—who led all Falcons receivers Sunday with seven catches for 119 yards—on a crucial third-down play near Carolina’s end zone. The pass fell incomplete, marking London’s final play of regulation.
When overtime began, London did not join his teammates on offense. It was soon announced that he too had suffered a knee injury and would not return.
“It’s the same report on Drake,” Morris said. “Obviously, he left the game after that sluggo attempt in the end zone and wasn’t able to return.”
London has been one of Atlanta’s most reliable offensive contributors this season and ranks among league leaders with over 800 receiving yards and six touchdown receptions through Sunday’s early games.
Rapoport indicated Sunday night there could be positive news regarding London’s condition but no definitive assessment has been made public yet.
The severity of both injuries is still unknown as both players await further evaluation by team medical staff.
