Falcons’ Michael Penix Jr. Cleared to Start vs. Patriots After Knee Injury

The Atlanta Falcons will welcome back starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. this Sunday as they look to rebound from a disappointing loss. The team confirmed Friday that Penix carries no injury designation for Week 9 and will start against the New England Patriots after missing last week’s game with a left knee bone bruise.

Penix sustained the injury late in the fourth quarter of the Falcons’ Week 7 game against the San Francisco 49ers when he was rolled up on during a tackle. Although he finished the game, lingering soreness in his left knee caused him to miss valuable practice time and ultimately sit out last week’s contest against Miami.

In his absence, veteran Kirk Cousins got the start but struggled to move the offense in a 34-10 home loss to the Dolphins. Cousins completed 26 of 38 passes for 202 yards, but the Falcons failed to find the end zone through the air. The defeat dropped Atlanta to 3-4 on the season.

After being limited in practice early in the week, Penix was a full participant on Friday, signaling his readiness to return to action. The second-year quarterback has been the Falcons’ starter since taking over for Cousins late last season and is expected to reclaim full control of the offense this weekend in Foxborough.

1. Offensive Reinforcements Return

Penix’s return isn’t the only boost for Atlanta’s offense heading into Week 9. Top wide receiver Drake London and fellow pass catcher Darnell Mooney were both removed from the injury report and are expected to play Sunday. London missed last week’s game due to a hip injury, while Mooney has been sidelined for two games with shoulder and hamstring issues. With both receivers healthy, the Falcons’ passing attack will have its full complement of weapons for the first time in weeks. London, who leads the team in receptions and yards, provides a dynamic target for Penix, while Mooney’s speed adds another vertical element to the offense. Through seven games this season, Penix has completed 61% of his passes for 1,409 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions. While those numbers reflect growing pains for a young quarterback, his arm strength and composure have been key to Atlanta’s offensive identity. Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson said the team plans to keep the game plan straightforward as Penix returns from injury. “We just want Michael to play his game — be decisive, get the ball out, and trust the guys around him,” Robinson said. “He’s looked good in practice this week, and we’re confident in his readiness.”

2. Defensive Setbacks Add Challenge

While the Falcons’ offense appears close to full strength, the defense will be missing several key contributors against New England. Defensive lineman Zach Harrison (knee) and nickel corner Billy Bowman Jr. (hamstring) have both been ruled out for Sunday’s game. Harrison’s absence weakens Atlanta’s interior pass rush, which will now rely heavily on veterans Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata to generate pressure. Bowman’s injury leaves the secondary thin, particularly against slot receivers — an area New England could look to exploit. The Falcons’ defense has been inconsistent this season, ranking near the middle of the league in yards allowed but struggling to create turnovers. Head coach Raheem Morris said the team’s depth will be tested this week. “We’ve got guys who’ve been waiting for their opportunity,” Morris said. “This is the kind of situation where we find out who’s ready to step up.” The Patriots, led by quarterback Jacoby Brissett, enter the game with one of the league’s lowest-scoring offenses, giving Atlanta a chance to regain confidence on defense despite the injuries. The Falcons hope a more complete offensive unit can help control the pace and keep the defense fresh.

3. A Crucial Test on the Road

At 3-4, the Falcons find themselves at a pivotal point in their season. A win in Foxborough could pull them back to .500 and keep them in contention in the NFC South race, while a loss would deepen their midseason struggles. With Penix returning and key receivers back in the lineup, Atlanta is betting on offensive continuity to spark a turnaround. The Patriots, meanwhile, have struggled to find rhythm under first-year offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, giving the Falcons an opportunity to capitalize if they can stay disciplined on defense. For Penix, Sunday’s game marks another chance to solidify his role as Atlanta’s long-term starter. After a promising rookie campaign, injuries have slowed his momentum — but a strong showing against New England could help reestablish the confidence that fueled his rise last year. “We’ve been through some adversity, but that’s part of the process,” Penix said after practice Friday. “The focus now is just going out there, competing, and doing what we do best.”