The Falcons’ worst fears about Michael Penix were confirmed.

The second-year quarterback needs surgery to repair a torn ACL and is done for the season, the team announced, a procedure that could put his status for the start of 2026 in jeopardy.

Penix, 25, injured his knee during Sunday’s overtime loss to the Panthers that dropped the Falcons to 3-7.

Falcons quarterback Michael Penix is tended to by a trainer during a game against the Panthers on Nov. 16, 2025. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

He finishes the season with 1,983 yards passing, nine touchdowns and three interceptions.

Atlanta stunned the NFL world when it drafted Penix with the No. 8 overall pick in 2024, just a month after signing veteran Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed.

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