Who Should I Start? Michael Penix Jr. or C.J. Stroud

Wednesday, November 19, 11:40 AM

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) does indeed need surgery that involves "full reconstruction" of his torn ACL and faces "at least" nine months of recovery, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Penix Jr. suffered the injury during his team's Week 11 loss to the Carolina Panthers. The injury occurred in his left knee rather than his right, which is notable considering he tore his right ACL twice during his collegiate career. A nine-month recovery timeline from late November means Penix Jr.'s availability for the start of the 2026 season could be in question. For the remainder of 2025, Atlanta will likely turn to veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who has struggled across three games (one start) worth of action so far this season. Cousins profiles as a low-end fantasy QB2 heading into a Week 12 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

Thursday, November 20, 8:36 PM

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (concussion) was ruled out for a third straight game in Thursday night's contest against the Buffalo Bills, but NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Stroud was very close to being cleared this week. Rapoport said that had this week's game fallen on Sunday instead of Thursday, Stroud likely would have played for the first time since suffering a concussion in the Week 9 loss to the Denver Broncos. He is doing well and was cleared for limited participation in Tuesday's practice. Stroud likely would have upgraded to full participation on Thursday if they didn't have a game, so the expectation is that he'll be able to clear the NFL's concussion protocol in time to play in Week 13 on Sunday, Nov. 30, against the division-rival Indianapolis Colts. Davis Mills is making his third straight start against Buffalo and is hoping to lead the team to their third straight victory.