Tag: Michael Penix Jr.

Nov 16, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) throws the ball in the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Falcons’ new regime not committing to Michael Penix Jr. as starting QB

Posted on | by Field Level Media

If Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was looking for a vote of confidence from the revamped Atlanta front office, he didn’t get it during new GM Ian Cunningham’s introductory press conference on Tuesday.

When asked if Penix, who is recovering from a torn ACL that prematurely ended his second NFL season in November, will be the team’s starter in 2026, new Falcons president of football operations Matt Ryan — also a former Atlanta quarterback from 2008-2021 — did not give a definitive answer.

“Neither of us are the head coach of the football team, so we can’t answer your question on that,” Ryan said. ” … I think as we start to get into this process and dive deeper into the roster — how it currently stands, where it’s going in the future — I think those are conversations that’ll be a part of it.

“Quarterback’s obviously very important, and we’re excited about Mike and what he’s doing with his rehab. I’ve been up at the facility the last three weeks, and Michael’s been in there attacking that and he’s in a good space right now, so we’re excited about where he is at. But certainly, a lot of discussions for us about the entire roster.”

Penix, who Atlanta selected with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft months after signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal in free agency, took over the starting job late in his rookie season and entered 2025 as the starter.

This past season, he completed 60.1% of his passes for 1,982 yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions in nine starts. The Falcons went 3-6 in games he started compared to a 5-3 record in Cousins’ starts after he replaced Penix following his injury.

Cousins is likely to be released this offseason due to his significant salary, especially after the team restructured his contract in January.

With Penix’s return timeline for the start of the 2026 season uncertain, that could force Atlanta to look for a quarterback either in free agency or April’s draft if it elects to move on from Cousins after two seasons.

–Field Level Media

Oct 26, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on the sideline against the Miami Dolphins in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Falcons back in kicker market after missed PAT doomed 3rd straight loss

Posted on | by Field Level Media

As the Atlanta Falcons’ freefall continues, head coach Raheem Morris was clear in his assessment of the team’s third straight loss.

With a chance to tie the score at 24 against the New England Patriots with 4:40 left in Sunday’s game, kicker Parker Romo missed the extra point. The Falcons did get the ball back, but could not get into scoring position, leaving the miss as the difference in the result.

“At the end of the day, you’ve got to make that kick and give yourself a chance,” Morris told reporters on Monday. “That’s the game. … We’ve got to get it fixed and it has to be fixed now.”

Kicking woes have plagued the Falcons (3-5) since their season-opening loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, when Younghoe Koo missed a game-tying 44-yarder as Atlanta fell 23-20.

Morris’ comments Monday were almost identical to Week 1, when the second-year head coach said, “We’ve got to make those kicks,” before the team cut the veteran Koo.

By the time Atlanta leaves for its Week 10 meeting with the Indianapolis Colts in Berlin, the team could be on its third kicker.

“Obviously we’ve got to look at that and we’ve started that process already,” Morris said of replacing Romo. “We’ve worked out a bunch of different people. We’ll be able to bring people in and figure out who it’s going to be this week. Those pressure situations aren’t built on practice fields. They’re built in games.”

The good from Sunday included Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr.’s career-high three passing touchdowns, despite falling to 4-6 as a starter since taking Kirk Cousins’ job last December.

One of the only blemishes on Penix’s performance was an intentional grounding penalty he took which stalled out the Falcons’ final drive.

After the game, Penix and Morris accused the Patriots of simulating the snap by clapping, which led to the snap arriving early and is supposed to be a “disconcerting signals” penalty.

Morris walked back his comments on Monday, saying all he was going off was what his players told him.

“This was our players telling us they simulated the snap out there,” Morris said. “They heard something and obviously they did, that’s why he snapped it. This was no intent that (New England) did anything wrong.

“… We can’t snap the ball early no matter what anybody does. It’s gotta be more about us. That was just me being angry (Sunday).”

Even on a three-game losing streak, Penix still feels the Falcons can play their best football.

“It’s still high,” Penix said of the team’s confidence. “It’s got to be. It’s NFL football. We’re still in it. We still have a lot of games to go. We’ve got to go out there and just make sure each and every day of practice we give our 110% effort like we always do and be ready for this next game coming up. Obviously a long flight out to Germany, but we’ll be ready for it.”

Atlanta’s offensive line took a hit at New England, as left guard Matthew Bergeron exited in the first quarter with an ankle injury before three-time Pro Bowl right guard Chris Lindstrom (foot) left in the fourth.

“We’ll get those guys to Wednesday and see what happens,” said Morris, who also updated the status of linebacker Troy Andersen, who hasn’t played since Dec. 8 of last season with a knee injury. “You never want to rule (Andersen coming back this season) out. We’ll just have to wait and see.”

–Field Level Media

Oct 19, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) drops back to pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. (knee) listed as limited at practice

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Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was listed on the Falcons’ injury report as limited due to a knee bruise in an estimation, as the team did not practice Wednesday.

Penix was hurt during Atlanta’s 20-10 road loss Sunday to the San Francisco 49ers but played the entire game and completed 21 of 38 passes for 241 yards and one touchdown.

“Mike had the bone bruise (on Sunday), so that’s day to day,” Falcons coach Raheem Morris said on Wednesday. “Tomorrow, we’ll have more answers, and then Friday, we’ll have more answers, and then Saturday, we’ll have more answers with Mike.”

Atlanta (3-3) hosts the Miami Dolphins (1-6) on Sunday.

Morris called Penix “the ultimate tough guy,” but the team will determine his availability after observing him in live practice situations.

“Obviously, it’s going to be based on movement,” Morris said. “It’s going to be based on what he can do, all the stuff that he has. The organization will not put him in harm’s way.”

The coach finds it reassuring that veteran Kirk Cousins can step in for Penix, and he believes in the quarterback. Cousins started the first 14 games last season after signing a four-year, $180 million contract with Atlanta before he was benched in favor of rookie Penix.

“It’ll be based on Mike’s injury status and Mike’s injury status alone,” Morris said of Sunday’s starter.

Atlanta selected Penix with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Washington.

Penix, 25, has started all six games this season and completed 61 percent of his passes for 1,409 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions. He has also rushed 17 times for 43 yards and one TD.

The Falcons’ injury report listed linebacker Divine Deablo (forearm), edge rusher Jalon Walker (groin) and cornerback Billy Bowman Jr. (hamstring) as non-participants.

The estimation listed Penix as limited, along with wide receiver Darnell Mooney (hamstring), running back Tyler Allgeier (hip/knee), cornerback Mike Ford Jr. (calf), offensive tackle Jake Matthews (ankle) and defensive lineman Zach Harrison (knee).

Safety Jordan Fuller (knee) and offensive lineman Storm Norton (foot) were estimated as full participants.

–Field Level Media

Oct 19, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) runs with the ball during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Michael Penix Jr. dealing with bone bruise as Falcons look to move past 49ers disappointment

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The roller coaster that has been the 2025 Atlanta Falcons season took another sharp turn Sunday night and the downward trend continued into Monday.

After Atlanta (3-3) beat reigning conference finalists in consecutive weeks in the Washington Commanders and Buffalo Bills, a surprisingly lethargic offensive performance doomed the Falcons in a 20-10 road loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

More surprises came Monday as head coach Raheem Morris revealed to reporters that starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. suffered a bone bruise in his foot/ankle in the loss.

“Penix will be day-to-day,” Morris said. “He’s as tough as it gets. Last night, we were looking at him when he got tangled up. He gave us a thumbs up. (Backup quarterback) Kirk (Cousins) was ready to go, but he gave us both a thumbs up and was able to stay in the game. … There’s definitely some limitations.”

Even before Penix sustained the injury, Atlanta’s offense was severely limited. The Falcons found the end zone just once on a screen pass Bijan Robinson turned into a 10-yard touchdown that cut the deficit to three in the third quarter.

With a chance to take the lead midway through the fourth, Morris elected to take Robinson off the field on fourth-and-1 from the 49ers’ 35-yard line. Penix then threw incomplete to Drake London. The San Francisco touchdown on the ensuing drive iced the game.

Morris had to answer why Robinson — who the Atlanta head coach has repeatedly labeled the league’s best player — wasn’t on the field for the crucial fourth down.

“We’ve got a lot of really good players on our football team. We believe in a lot of players on our football team. Looking back at it right now, obviously you want Bijan on the field all the time,” Morris said. “You can easily second-guess that one.”

Penix threw for 241 yards and a touchdown, but he completed just 21 of 38 passes and was flagged for a crucial intentional grounding that prevented Atlanta from scoring before halftime.

Morris likes the 25-year-old’s current path but knows they’ll need more from him if he’s able to suit up against Miami on Sunday.

“I love where his development is, No. 1,” Morris said of Penix. “But yes, there’s always going to be times and places, especially for a young quarterback, when you want him to use his footwork, use his proper footwork, do all the things that you want to do. And those are always the things you’re doing to consistently fight with a guy with as much arm talent as Mike.”

If Penix is unable to go against the Dolphins, the Falcons will start Cousins, who started the first 14 games last season after signing a four-year, $180 million contract with Atlanta before he was benched in favor of Penix.

Aside from Penix’s injury, Atlanta was dealt a massive blow on the defensive side of the ball, as linebacker Divine Deablo exited in the second quarter with a fractured forearm.

“I know (Deablo) is going to miss some time,” Morris said. “We look forward to getting him back at some point this year.”

Morris also touched on the status of wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III, who missed the last two games as a healthy scratch.

“Obviously going through that process right now, talking with (McCloud),” Morris said. “But that’s a distraction I’m dealing with. No one else.”

–Field Level Media

Sep 21, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) throws a pass during the first half of a game between Carolina Panthers and the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images

Falcons look for ways to set Michael Penix Jr. up for success after Sunday struggles

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Even after the Atlanta Falcons’ worst offensive output in four years and a temporary benching of quarterback Michael Penix Jr., head coach Raheem Morris maintains that there is no controversy under center.

During Atlanta’s 30-0 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday — the team’s first time being shut out since 2021 — Penix was replaced by veteran Kirk Cousins, who didn’t do much to help the Falcons crack the scoreboard. When asked if he’ll give the 37-year-old backup a chance to compete for the starting role, Morris gave an extremely rare one-word answer. “No.”

In major need of a reset, Morris is sticking with the 25-year-old, but the production will have to pick up soon.

“(Penix) was off,” Morris said. “I don’t want to take away from the fact that he didn’t play well. He has high standards for himself. He was definitely not his normal, happy, competitive self. There are definitely ways to get him going. There’s a lot of stress on a young quarterback and we’ll without a doubt do some things moving forward to get him ready to go.”

In the loss, Penix completed 18 of 36 passes for 172 yards and two interceptions before Cousins threw for 29 yards in garbage time.

Penix has a career record of 0-4 in starts when the team he’s playing scores more than seven points.

Morris did announce a pair of changes ahead of Atlanta’s Week 4 matchup with the Washington Commanders, beginning with the decision to move offensive coordinator Zac Robinson from the coaches box to the sideline.

“We’ll move Zac down to the field to be able to get cleaner communication to (Penix),” Morris added Monday. “We’ll be able to be more visual and see the quarterback and help Michael a little bit more. We’ll correct those things this week and get Zac closer.”

Morris also alluded to possibly inserting a third different kicker into the starting lineup amidst more special teams issues. The Falcons released longtime kicker Younghoe Koo following a missed 44-yarder in the season-opening loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Atlanta appeared to have found a viable replacement in John Parker Romo, who went 5-for-5 in last week’s win at Minnesota, but missed badly on two attempts against Carolina, forcing Morris to address the position again.

“We’ve got to bring competition in,” Morris said. “You have to do that until you get it right. We went 5-for-5 the week before and went 0-for-2 this week so you’ve got to bring in competition. That’s something we’re working diligently at.”

–Field Level Media

Jul 24, 2025; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) talks to the media after practice during training camp at IBM Performance Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

QB Michael Penix: Falcons’ offense should be ‘best in league’

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Michael Penix Jr. has high hopes ahead of his first full season as the Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback.

How high? Well, consider what Penix had to say on Thursday.

“Potential? We should be the best in the league,” the 25-year-old said. “You know, with the guys we got around us. You know we got a great offensive line as well … we should be unstoppable.”

Penix indeed has a number of playmakers around him, notably fellow first-round picks Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts. The second-year quarterback also fared well in his three starts last season, helping the Falcons total 96 points from Weeks 16-18.

Penix, the eighth overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, played in five games in his rookie season, completing 61 of 105 passes (58.1 percent) for 775 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions.

Penix isn’t alone in his sky-high optimism about the Atlanta offense.

Right guard Chris Lindstrom echoed Penix’s notion that the team “can be the best offense,” while right tackle Kaleb McGary admitted that while being “horribly biased” in saying that he thought “we’re the best ever.”

Falcons coach Raheem Morris isn’t ready to make any such declarations, however.

“I like to just buy into the clean slate and let our guys go out there and kind of define it,” Morris said. “It’s kind of like when we talk about identity all the time. Those things got to be defined daily. I can tell you what I want it to be, but that may not necessarily be it when you turn on the tape. You want to make sure it is when you turn on the tape.

“I just look at that, like with the team, I’m really optimistic about the guys, really fired up how they came back, really fired up about what they looked like up until this point, and now we got to go out there and do it.”

–Field Level Media

Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has become more vocal and confident with his rookie season behind him. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Former Falcons QB helping Michael Penix Jr. ‘be a pro’

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There was no sign of high-paid backup quarterback Kirk Cousins at the Falcons’ facility this week, but lines of communication are active between Atlanta starter Michael Penix Jr. and another former Falcons first-rounder.

Matt Ryan, 40, became a sounding board for Penix in the offseason, taking his lessons learned as a Super Bowl quarterback for the Falcons and packaging talking points intended to help Penix develop in his second season in the NFL. Ryan, the third overall pick of the 2008 NFL Draft, played for Atlanta his entire career (2008-22), winning the NFL MVP award in 2016.

“I spoke to Matt Ryan and had a good conversation with him (about) learning how to be a pro each and every day and how his process went,” Penix said. “I feel like he definitely gave me some good things. Obviously, he knows this is my second year coming into it (and) this is my first year starting. He talked to me about his times during that time and how he got to where he ended up.”

Penix, 25, said he’s been playing golf and spending quality time getting to know his teammates away from the field to grow their rapport between the lines.

“The one that I want to point (out) is just connecting with the guys,” Penix said of how his role changes with his rookie season in the rearview mirror. “I feel like I’ve done a lot better with connecting with everybody around the team. Not just offensive guys but defensive guys as well. Whether that’s just around the facility eating lunch or going out and playing golf with some of them. Don’t ask about my golf game.”

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris noted Penix has openly exercised his voice during OTAs in instances where he would’ve hung back out of humility last season. With confidence being more apparent, Morris is anxious to see what’s to follow.

“Eventually, it turns into a little bit of an arrogance about playing the position where it’s non-negotiable. We’re not there yet,” Morris said. “I don’t think we will be for a little bit, but I think he’s at the mode of where he’s starting to get that confidence to be able to figure out how to get to that point.”

Penix, the eighth overall pick of the 2024 draft, played in five games (three starts) in his rookie season, completing 61 of 105 passes (58.1 percent) for 775 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Dec 22, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) prepares for a game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Falcons QB Kirk Cousins absent from voluntary OTAs

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins was absent from practice at voluntary organized team activities on Tuesday.

“I did not see him today,” Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said. “He did not show up in the meetings, so I did not see him today.”

Cousins, who turns 37 in mid-August, has been visible at the team’s offseason workouts prior to Tuesday.

The Falcons reportedly are open to listening to trade offers for Cousins, who would have to waive his no-trade clause.

While Cousins is holding out hope for a starter’s role with another team, the Falcons likely are waiting until after June 1 to trade the quarterback. Should that be the case, the team will be on the hook for a $12.5 million dead cap charge.

Atlanta signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed before the 2024 season, then selected Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the draft.

The Falcons started the season 6-3, but a nosedive Cousins told NFL Network coincided with a shoulder injury prompted Morris to turn the offense over to Penix with three games left in the regular season. Penix went 1-2.

Penix is the team’s No. 1 quarterback entering the new season. The Falcons also have quarterbacks Easton Stick and Emory Jones on their roster.

Cousins threw for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in 14 starts last season.

–Field Level Media

Dec 22, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) prepares for a game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Reports: Falcons to keep QB Kirk Cousins past deadline

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The Atlanta Falcons plan to keep Kirk Cousins on their roster past the 4 p.m. ET deadline Saturday, multiple outlets reported. As a result, the quarterback’s $10 million roster bonus that is due in 2026 will be fully guaranteed.

That decision grants the Falcons additional time as they weigh the 36-year-old Cousins’ future with the team.

Atlanta is all in on quarterback Michael Penix Jr. as the face of the franchise.

In his return from a torn Achilles and debut season with the Falcons, Cousins said arm injuries were a detriment and led to him being benched in favor of Penix in December. Cousins went to the bench after tossing one touchdown and nine interceptions in a five-game stretch that knocked the Falcons out of playoff position.

Atlanta selected Penix eighth overall in last April’s draft shortly after Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million deal with the Falcons.

–Field Level Media

Dec 22, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) and quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) run on the field before a game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Falcons position on QB Kirk Cousins ‘hasn’t changed’

Posted on | by Field Level Media

INDIANAPOLIS — Atlanta is all in on quarterback Michael Penix Jr. as the face of the franchise, but the Falcons insist they don’t have to part with high-priced No. 2 Kirk Cousins.

“I’m excited, I know our team is excited, our owner is excited for the future with Michael Penix,” Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Morris said he was “disappointed” with the way things ended for Cousins and Atlanta. General manager Terry Fontenot, who also met with media at the combine, said the move to Penix was entirely a “football decision” despite recent comments from Cousins that he injured his shoulder in Week 10 against the Saints.

Cousins, 36, enters the second year of a four-year, $180 million contract with a $27.5 million base salary and a $10 million roster bonus that hits on the fifth day of the league year. Teams are not expected to offer a draft pick for Cousins because of his onerous salary.

“Michael Penix is our quarterback. We stood here last year and talked about looking for that guy,” Morris said of whether Cousins was still competing to start. “We think we found him.”

–Jeff Reynolds, Field Level Media