When Michael Penix suffered a partially torn left ACL in Week 11, it cast an ominous cloud over his future. Backup Kirk Cousins took over and the Falcons just missed the playoffs in a 3-way tie in the NFC South where the Panthers held the tie breaker. 

New Falcons Head Coach Kevin Stefanski recently spoke to his excitement for Penix heading into 2026. Stefanski spoke highly of his rehab process and talked about things on tape that he excels, such as layering his throws and pushing the ball to different areas of the field. 

Stefanski was a little bit more cool on Kirk Cousins acknowledging their existing relationship, but stopping shy of a ringing endorsement. From a dynasty perspective, Penix returning would be excellent for wide receiver Drake London. Just prior to Penix’s injury, London had 3 WR1 overall weeks in the span of 4 games.

Author: Jeremiah Retzlaff (@coachretzlaff1)