Michael Penix Jr. Atlanta Falcons quarterback is optimistic he’ll be ready for the 2026 season after suffering a torn ACL in November.
“My expectation is to get healthy as quickly as possible,” Penix told D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Wednesday. “Obviously, it’s up to the doctor. He has the final word (on Penix’s ability to play). I know that whenever he gives me that word, I’ll be 100% confident in everything I can do.
“So I’m really excited about it. For me, I’m looking forward to being back in Week 1, but like I said, we’ll see. I just have to do everything in my power to make sure I’m ready for it.”
The general recovery time is nine to 12 months. With Penix undergoing surgery on Nov. 25, the 2026 season starts early in that window. Penix turned his past rehab experience — including two previous ACL tears — into a positive, saying he understands the process and what to expect.
“It’s something I’ve done before,” Penix also said. “I’ve always come back stronger. I’ve always come back better. So I don’t think anything less is going to happen. I feel like I’m in a good place right now. I’m getting better every day. I’m just taking rehab one day at a time.”
Penix started the first nine games of the season with mixed results. He flashed a big arm, but his accuracy came and went, and he especially struggled with pressure.
Both Matt Ryan and Kevin Stefanski have shined for Penix since taking on new roles with the organization.
With Kirk Cousins renewing his contract to facilitate his departure before the new league year in March, Penix’s rehabilitation becomes more important. Assuming the new brass doesn’t do something to keep Cousins, they’ll have to fill the veteran QB void. Even if Penix returns before Week 1, his injury history requires the Falcons to have a backup plan that wouldn’t sink their season if implemented.