Falcons News
Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski expressed strong support for quarterback Michael Penix Jr. during his introductory press conference on Tuesday. The comments came as the organization navigates major questions at the position heading into 2026.
“Michael is someone I am very excited about,” Stefanski told reporters at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. “His rehab is what’s most important right now. I saw him in the training room this week. He’s attacking his rehab.”
Penix underwent surgery in November to repair a partially torn ACL in his left knee. The injury occurred during the Falcons’ Week 11 loss to the Carolina Panthers. The quarterback landed awkwardly after attempting a pass in the third quarter and did not return. The surgery marks the fifth season-ending injury of Penix’s football career. He tore his right ACL twice while playing at Indiana in 2018 and 2020. He also suffered shoulder injuries in both 2019 and 2021 that required surgery and ended his seasons early.
Stefanski acknowledged the injury history but focused on Penix’s potential. “I think you see a player on tape that can get through progressions, can layer the ball, can push the ball to all areas of the field,” he said. “Obviously, he was very productive in college, has had some really good moments here in the pros.”
The recovery timeline for ACL surgery typically ranges from nine to 12 months. Penix had the procedure performed in Los Angeles in late November. That timeline puts his potential return somewhere between August and November 2026.
The Falcons face uncertainty about whether Penix will be ready for the start of the 2026 season. Training camps begin in late July. If Penix requires the full 12 months, he could miss significant preparation time.
The situation complicates Atlanta’s offseason planning. The Falcons restructured Kirk Cousins’ contract earlier this month. The veteran quarterback’s 2026 base salary dropped from $35 million to $2.1 million. A $67.9 million guarantee vests on March 13. The Falcons are widely expected to release Cousins before that date to avoid the guarantee. Cousins started the final seven games of the 2025 season after Penix went down. He led Atlanta to a 5-2 record during that stretch.
Stefanski coached Cousins in Minnesota from 2018 to 2019. He served as quarterbacks coach and later offensive coordinator during that time. He declined to discuss Cousins’ future with the team Tuesday.
“When it comes to Kirk, obviously, I have a previous relationship with Kirk,” Stefanski said. “But I don’t know if it’s the time yet to talk about all the positions and those types of things. Those conversations will come in due time.”
Penix finished his second NFL season with 1,982 passing yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions in nine starts. He completed 60.1 percent of his passes. The Falcons went 3-6 in games he started.
Atlanta selected Penix with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 draft. The move surprised many because the Falcons had signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract just weeks earlier. Penix spent most of his first season as the backup before taking over in Week 16.
The Falcons hired Stefanski on January 17 following the dismissals of head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot. Atlanta posted consecutive 8-9 seasons under Morris. The team has not reached the playoffs since 2017.
Stefanski brings a 45-56 record from six seasons as head coach of the Cleveland Browns. He won Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year honors in 2020 and 2023. He led Cleveland to two playoff appearances. The Falcons are still searching for a general manager. That hire will work alongside Stefanski and team president Matt Ryan to determine the roster direction. The quarterback position remains the most pressing decision facing the new regime.
