Mon Nov 17 17:00:00 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Falcons QB Penix Jr. Injured in Loss to Panthers; London Also Exits with Knee Issue

ATLANTA, GA – The Atlanta Falcons suffered a significant blow in their overtime defeat to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, with rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and star receiver Drake London both leaving the game with knee injuries. The Panthers defeated the Falcons 30-27.

Penix Jr. was hit while attempting a pass in the third quarter, falling awkwardly and struggling to get back to his feet. He was subsequently removed from the game. The young quarterback had been having a strong outing, completing 13 of 16 passes for 175 yards before his injury.

Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins replaced Penix Jr., completing 6 of 14 passes for 48 yards, but the Falcons offense sputtered in the second half, scoring only six points after going into halftime with a 21-7 lead.

“You change the quarterback, so you got to do what that quarterback does well,” stated Falcons coach Raheem Morris after the game, hinting at a possible change at the starting position for next week’s game against the New Orleans Saints. Morris indicated that Cousins would be the starter if Penix were to be unable to play.

After the game Morris said there was no update on Penix’s condition or how long he might be out. Morris added there was a possibility Penix could have reentered the game, but he didn’t feel great about doing that.

Penix Jr. previously suffered a bone bruise in his left knee in Week 7 against the San Francisco 49ers, causing him to miss the following game.

Adding to the Falcons’ woes, receiver Drake London also suffered a knee injury and was ruled out during overtime. London had a productive day, recording seven catches for 119 yards prior to his exit.

Sources indicate that London’s injury is not believed to be overly serious, but he is scheduled for an MRI on Monday to determine the full extent of the damage and potential time missed.

The Falcons will now anxiously await updates on both players’ conditions as they prepare for a crucial divisional matchup against the Saints.

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