Who Should I Start? Michael Penix Jr. or Jaxson Dart

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.

Friday, November 21, 8:01 PM

ESPN's Jordan Raanan reports that New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart (concussion) did not have a setback with his head injury, according to multiple sources. Dart is feeling better but remained limited in practice on Friday. The decision to hold the 22-year-old signal-caller out for a second straight game in Week 12 against the Detroit Lions was made by team doctors to play it safe with Dart. The Ole Miss product should be able to clear the NFL's concussion protocol to play in Week 13 against the New England Patriots on Monday Night Football. Since taking over the starting QB gig in New York, Dart has provided a spark for the offense, throwing for 1,417 yards, 10 touchdowns, and three interceptions while also rushing for 317 yards and seven touchdowns. Veteran Jameis Winston is expected to make a second straight start in Detroit on Sunday with Dart sidelined.