Who Should I Start? Russell Wilson or Michael Penix Jr.

Tuesday, January 6, 12:39 PM

New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (hamstring) revealed on Monday that he played part of this past season with an undisclosed torn hamstring, according to Charlotte Carroll of The Athletic. The 37-year-old veteran said he suffered the injury on the final play of the Friday practice before the Week 2 contest against the Dallas Cowboys. Wilson said he suffered a Grade 2 tear, but he didn't tell the team. Despite the injury, Wilson threw for 450 yards and three touchdowns in the 40-37 overtime loss, also adding 23 rushing yards on three carries. He said he didn't tell the Giants because of the circumstances of knowing that he was trying to hold off rookie QB Jaxson Dart from taking over the starting duties. Wilson eventually lost the starting gig to Dart. At this point in his career, Wilson profiles as a backup signal-caller as he looks to continue playing into the 2026 season.

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.