Who Should I Start? Justin Herbert or Michael Penix Jr.

Tuesday, November 18, 12:33 AM

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert had his worst performance of the season in the team's 35-6 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, completing just 10 of 18 passes for 81 yards and an interception before being pulled from the game in the second half. It was the first game this season without a passing touchdown for him, and only the eighth in his career. Herbert led the team in rushing with 21 yards, highlighting the offense's overall inefficiency. The Chargers managed only eight first downs, held the ball for just 22 minutes, and reached the red zone only once. Herbert was constantly under pressure behind an injured, overmatched offensive line that has now allowed 35 sacks this season. He was briefly evaluated for a concussion at the end of the first half after a sack, but returned to start the second half. Herbert and the Bolts get a much-needed bye in Week 12.

Wednesday, November 26, 1:06 PM

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said on Wednesday that quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) had successful surgery on his knee on Tuesday, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Penix had full reconstructive surgery to fix a partially torn ACL in his left knee, which will keep him out for the rest of this season and possibly for the start of the 2026 season next fall. The 25-year-old second-year signal-caller is facing a nine-month recovery, which will force Atlanta to rethink its long-term plan at the QB position this offseason. This is Penix's third ACL reconstruction in his career after he had two knee surgeries in college. Kirk Cousins will start the rest of the year under center for the Falcons, but depending on how he finishes the season, the Falcons could opt out of the final two seasons of his four-year deal.