Penix going on IR; London reportedly out at least a week

The Atlanta Falcons lost two key offensive starters in Sunday's 30-27 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers.

Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is going on injured reserve with a left-knee injury that will sideline him for at least four games, the Falcons announced Monday.

Atlanta added that it's "working through the medical process to determine the severity" of Penix's issue.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported earlier Monday that the passer's injury could be season-ending. Although Penix is reportedly seeking a second opinion, early indications aren't encouraging.

His injury is an aggravation of a bone bruise and knee sprain suffered earlier this campaign, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. However, there's also apparently damage to Penix's ACL, which could mean a full reconstruction is required.

Additionally, Drake London suffered a PCL sprain that will sideline the receiver for at least a week, Rapoport adds. The talented wideout made seven catches for 119 yards before the Falcons ruled him out in overtime of Sunday's loss.

Kirk Cousins will take over at quarterback for Atlanta. He replaced Penix versus the Panthers, completing 6 of 14 passes for 48 yards.

Penix appeared to sustain the injury after getting hit on a third-down pass attempt with 5:22 remaining in the third quarter. The second-year signal-caller tried to stand up but fell back to the ground before taking off his helmet. Penix remained on the sidelines for the rest of the contest and completed 13 of 16 passes for 175 yards before exiting.

Head coach Raheem Morris said postgame that he didn't have an update regarding Penix's status, per ESPN's Marc Raimondi.

Penix missed a contest against the Miami Dolphins in October due to the bone bruise in his left knee. The Washington product has an extensive history of injuries, having undergone four season-ending surgeries in college, including ACL repairs in 2018 and 2020.