Michael Penix Jr.

Atlanta Falcons
Quarterback #9

Personal

Age	25
Birthdate	May 8, 2000
Height	6'2"
Weight	220 lb

Draft

College	Washington
Year	2024
Pick	Round: 1, Overall: 8
Team	ATL

Fantasy Value

Player News

Michael Penix Jr.: Matt Ryan Not Committing to Michael Penix Jr. as the Starting QB

Atlanta Falcons president of football Matt Ryan was non-committal on Tuesday to Michael Penix Jr. (knee) being the team's starting quarterback in 2026, according to Marc Raimondi of ESPN. Penix suffered a torn left ACL last November and is currently recovering after having surgery. He is expected to be out anywhere from nine to 12 months. The 25-year-old completed 60.1% of his passes for 1,982 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions in nine games in 2025 in his first full year as the starter, with the Falcons going 3-6 in his starts. Penix was the eighth overall pick out of Washington in 2024. New head coach Kevin Stefanski has been complimentary of Penix since taking the job, but his health and status as the starter will be a big question mark going into training camp and the start of the 2026 regular season this fall. Penix's fantasy stock is down, and his lengthy injury history -- he's torn his ACL three times -- is a big reason why.

Feb. 3, 2026 10:56 AM EST