MichaelPenix Jr.

News: 17 hours agoThe Falcons will place Penix (knee) on injured reserve.

Spin: "We are working through the medical process to determine the severity of the injury," the Falcons said in a statement Monday. "[Penix] will be placed on the reserve/injured list and miss a minimum of four games. With the move, Kirk Cousins will assume the starting quarterback role for the Falcons at this time." It's been reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network that Penix aggravated an existing bone bruise and knee sprain while also suffering damage to the ACL in his left knee, the same one in which Penix already had the ACL reconstructed twice previously during his college days. Penix won't be eligible to return until Week 16 against the Cardinals, at the earliest.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Penix is entering his second NFL season and his first as Atlanta's starter. The 2024 No. 8 pick played only three full games as a rookie, with mixed results. He threw for 200-plus yards and one INT in all three, totaling three passing TDs during the stretch. Though he did produce one rushing TD, he was (as expected) a nonfactor with his legs, totaling 11 yards on seven carries. Penix will benefit from a very good supporting cast led by Drake London and Bijan Robinson, but he'll be working in an offense that was third-run-heaviest in the league last season and he's unlikely to add much (if any) value with his legs. Penix should be viewed as no more than a late-round lottery ticket.