Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. left with a knee injury in the third quarter of Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers.

The standout quarterback, who has dealt with a fan calling him a disgusting name this year, exited the game in the third quarter with a knee injury as he was hit hard on a third-down pass and was slow to get up from the turf.

Penix was 13-of-16 passing for 175 yards before Atlanta confirmed he was out of the contest. Now he may be out for much longer.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported on Monday morning that Michael Penix Jr. suffered a potential season-ending knee injury in a 30-27 loss to the Panthers on Sunday.

Penix previously sat out a game this year due to a bone bruise in his left knee, which he reinjured against Carolina. Kirk Cousins, who took over for Penix, will grab the reins for the foreseeable future. Despite being in trade rumors, it appears that keeping the veteran quarterback will work out in their favor.

“Didn’t feel great for (Penix) being back out there,” head coach Raheem Morris said after the game.

The team might be 3-7, but they still have a chance to make the postseason.

Michael Penix Jr. Was Having A Solid Season

Sep 7, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) reacts after a play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Falcons could be without quarterback Michael Penix Jr. for the rest of the year after he left Sunday’s Week 11 loss to the Carolina Panthers with a lower-body injury, according to Adam Schefter.

Schefter added that Penix is seeking a second opinion, but the outlook is not optimistic at this time.

Before his injury, he led the Falcons’ offense to 21 first-half points and a lead at the time he left the game.

On the season, Penix has completed 60.1% of his passes for 1,982 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions. He was having a solid year, despite all the talk surrounding his play on the field.