Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is optimistic he'll be ready for the 2026 season after suffering a season-ending ACL tear in November.
"My expectation is to get healthy as soon as possible," Penix told D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Wednesday. "Obviously, it's up to the doctor. He has the last word [on my availability to play]. I know that whenever he does give me that word, I'll be 100% confident in everything that I can do.
"So, I'm super excited for it. For me, I look forward to being back Week 1, but, like I said, we'll see. I just got to do everything in my power to make sure I'm ready for that."
The general recovery timeline is nine to 12 months. With Penix undergoing surgery on Nov. 25, the start of the 2026 season falls early in that window. Penix spun his past experience in rehab -- including two previous ACL tears -- into a positive, saying he understands the process and what to expect.
"It's something I've done before," Penix also said. "I've always came back stronger. I've always came back better. So, I don't think anything less will happen. I feel like I'm in a good spot right now. I'm getting better each and every day. I'm just taking the rehab one day at a time."
Penix started the first nine games of the season with mixed results. He flashed a big arm, but his accuracy came and went, and he particularly struggled under pressure.
Both president of football Matt Ryan and head coach Kevin Stefanski have glowed about Penix since taking their new jobs in the organization.
With Kirk Cousins reworking his contract to likely facilitate his departure before the new league year in March, Penix's rehab becomes more important. Assuming the new brass doesn't work something out to retain Cousins, they'll have to fill the veteran-QB void. Even if Penix returns by Week 1, his injury history requires the Falcons have a backup plan that wouldn't sink their season if implemented.
