Falcons' Michael Penix Jr. Says Doctor Praised His 'Amazing ACL' After Surgery on Knee Injury

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who is working his way back from a torn left ACL suffered last November during a game against the Carolina Panthers, provided good news on his future outlook during a chat with reporters on Wednesday.

Penix also provided more comments on his progress and outlook.

Penix has unfortunately dealt with numerous injuries during his collegiate and pro careers, including five season-ending ailments since 2018.

In 2018, while he was a freshman at Indiana, Penix suffered a season-ending right ACL tear. In Nov. 2019, Penix suffered an injury to his right sternoclavicular joint, ending his season. He suffered another right ACL tear in Nov. 2020, and then in 2021, Penix suffered a season-ending AC joint sprain, ending his season after five games.

Penix transferred from Indiana to Washington after the 2021 season. He thrived for the Huskies and even led them to a 14-win season and national championship game appearance in 2023. The Heisman Trophy runner-up was soon selected by the Falcons with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

Penix took over as the Falcons' starter late in the 2024 season and was QB1 entering the 2025 campaign. In 14 games (12 starts), Penix has completed 59.6 percent of his passes for 12 touchdowns (six interceptions) and 2,757 yards (7.2 yards per attempt).

Atlanta signed former Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a one-year contract this offseason, and he'll be QB1 when the Falcons play their preseason opener against the Denver Broncos on Friday. Head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters, however, that he hasn't officially named a starter for this season.

As for Penix, he's been doing individual and 7-on-7 work this offseason and at training camp, but he has not progressed to 11-on-11 just yet. Penix will do more 7-on-7 work when the Falcons have joint practices next week with the Indianapolis Colts, per Stefanski.

Ultimately, Penix still has time to be ready for the Falcons' season opener, which will take place on Sunday, Sept. 13 at the Pittsburgh Steelers.