Overview
- Atlanta placed Michael Penix Jr. on injured reserve and he is set for ACL reconstruction in Los Angeles this week, with an estimated nine-month recovery, according to team and media reports.
- Kirk Cousins has been named the Week 12 starter at New Orleans, with newly signed Easton Stick serving as the backup as the 3-7 Falcons face the 2-8 Saints.
- Head coach Raheem Morris acknowledged the team will need alternative quarterback plans for 2026, reflecting uncertainty around Penix’s post-surgery timeline.
- Reports indicate Penix’s lengthy injury history, including two prior right ACL tears in college, could delay full participation in the 2026 offseason and possibly Week 1.
- With Drake London week-to-week due to a PCL issue, outlets expect a run-heavy approach built around Bijan Robinson, and Cousins enters with one 2025 start and no touchdown passes.