NFL Draft 2024 Rumors: Michael Penix Jr.'s Knee 'Structurally Sound' After Injuries

Former Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr.'s right knee is reportedly "structurally sound," an encouraging and positive sign leading into the NFL draft after he twice suffered a torn ACL during his 2018 and 2020 seasons, when he played for Indiana.

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network relayed that news on Penix, the ex-Hoosier who transferred to Washington in 2022 before leading the Huskies to a national championship game appearance one season later.

"Penix was a three-year starter at Indiana, but suffered four consecutive season-ending injuries: a torn ACL in 2018, a right (non-throwing) shoulder injury in 2019, a torn ACL in 2020 and an AC joint separation in his left (throwing) shoulder in 2021. Sources say pre-draft medical exams confirmed Penix's twice-reconstructed right knee is structurally sound; he also received a positive report in January from renowned surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who found no meniscus issue or other associated damage. Some teams still will give him a lower medical grade based on the repeat injury, but it's nothing that would cause him to fail a physical. Penix's lack of mobility -- or perhaps reluctance to use it -- is a bigger consideration for some teams."

Penix enjoyed two healthy seasons in Washington, throwing for 9,544 yards and 67 touchdowns while rushing for seven more scores. Under his leadership, the Huskies went 25-3 over his two years with the school.

Obviously, NFL teams have to hold some level of concern about Penix after he suffered four season-ending injuries from 2018-2021. But the fact of the matter is that he just dominated college football for two straight seasons and emerged as a top-five quarterback prospect despite going through a host of adversities at Indiana.

That perseverance—coupled with a two-year stretch of good health and a clean bill from doctors—will certainly go a long way.

A lot of positives have emerged recently about Penix, who could very well find himself taken in the first round on Thursday. A few examples are below:

We'll find out where Penix lands soon enough, but there are a host of quarterback-needy teams out there, and it wouldn't be a surprise whatsoever to see him get called on Day 1.