The Atlanta Falcons went into the season with playoff aspirations boasting a loaded offense on paper and a surprisingly effective defense. But it's looking like yet another lost season for Atlanta.

And after Sunday's overtime loss to the Panthers, the team received some rough news about quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

With about five minutes remaining in the third quarter, Penix Jr. exited the game after suffering an apparent knee injury. The second-year QB had undergone multiple knee surgeries during his college career and dealt with a bone bruise earlier this season. He was replaced by Kirk Cousins.

But now, the other knee is impacted, and it could mean the end of Penix Jr.'s season.

Though the team will seek a second opinion, early reports indicated that Penix Jr. suffered a partially torn ACL in his left knee — again, not the surgically repaired knee.

Given that the Falcons are 3-7, the team could opt to shut Penix down for the season and give him extended time to recover.

UPDATE: Penix is heading to injured reserve, ending his season. He could also be looking at a full ACL reconstruction.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Michael Penix Jr. injury update: Will the Falcons QB miss rest of season?

Reporting by Andrew Joseph, For The Win / For The Win

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect