The News, Now
Key developments on the field and roster move analysis
Injuries, injuries, injuries. The Falcons have significant health-related news stacking up, and hardly any of it is good a positive prognosis.
The Falcons will be without quarterback Michael Penix Jr. for the remainder of the 2025 season, as it was confirmed he has a partially torn ACL in his left knee that will require surgery. As of Wednesday, Morris said Penix had not yet had the full reconstructive surgery needed to repair the injury. It is reported Penix will go through — at minimum — a nine-month recovery process as he finishes his second professional season on injured reserve.
“All of this puts the Falcons in a position they hoped — and planned — to avoid,” writes Tori McElhaney in a column this week.
Kirk Cousins will assume the starting quarterback role. To replenish the room, the Falcons elevated Easton Stick to the active roster from the practice squad and signed Kyle Trask to the practice squad in his place.
“Obviously got a good opportunity against the Saints this week,” Cousins said Wednesday. “But wanted to just acknowledge how tough the injury is for Michael. My heart breaks for him. He’s someone who has handled adversity so well through his football journey, and unfortunately, he’s having to do it again. But I’m very confident he has a lot of good football ahead of him. …
“And yeah, we’re just looking forward to getting to go against the Saints and trying to get back on track here and get things going in the right direction.”
In other injury news, the Falcons will also be without No. 1 receiver Drake London in New Orleans, as it was revealed London is week-to-week with a PCL sprain.
Arguably the only bit of good news the Falcons received this week involved inside linebacker Divine Deablo, who has been on injured reserve with a fracture in his forearm. The team opened up his 21-day window to return to the active roster. Though he was listed as questionable in Friday’s game report, Morris has said all week that he expects to have Deablo available to the defense in New Orleans.
“Assuming everything goes well,” Morris said, “he should be back playing.”
For all injury news, you can view all three Falcons injury reports below, including the game designations given (or not given) on Friday as well as a developing injury story involving Billy Bowman Jr.
Wednesday, Nov. 19: Drake London expected to miss game vs. Saints
Thursday, Nov. 20: Divine Deablo progressing well as Saints rivalry prep continues
Friday, Nov. 21: Billy Bowman Jr. added to report with Achilles injury; Morris claims it is not good news for the rookie
How did the rest of the league fair in Week 11? Will McFadden breaks it down in his weekly power rankings, while Will also highlighted the NFC South’s performance, too.
Plus, check out this week’s mailbag where Tori McElhaney answer your burning questions about the state of the Falcons.
Falcons Mailbag: Looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, already?
