The knee injury that knocked Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. out of Sunday's game is potentially season-ending, ESPN reported Monday.

The second-year starter aggravated a bone bruise in his left knee early in the third quarter of the 30-27 overtime loss to the visiting Carolina Panthers.

Penix, 25, is seeking a second opinion on the injury but the prognosis "is not encouraging," per ESPN.

Veteran Kirk Cousins likely will take over as the starter when the Falcons (3-7) attempt to halt a frustrating five-game losing streak on Sunday at New Orleans (2-8).

Penix completed 13 of 16 passes for 175 yards before leaving the Sunday game. Cousins was 6 of 14 for 48 yards, with neither QB throwing a touchdown or an interception.

Drafted eighth overall in 2024, Penix has made nine s

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