NEW ORLEANS, La. — The New Orleans Saints are returning to the field in Week 12 to take on the NFC rival Atlanta Falcons. However, it’s unlikely that they will face starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the 2024 first-rounder may miss the rest of the season with a knee injury he suffered during the team’s Week 11 loss to the Carolina Panthers.
With Michael Penix sidelined, Falcons QB Kirk Cousins now takes over as the starter. https://t.co/wt0vseW4PM
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 17, 2025
With Penix certainly missing the upcoming matchup between the two teams, veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins will be the starter. Throughout Cousins’ career, he is 1-3 against the Saints in New Orleans during the regular season.
The Saints and Falcons will meet again in Week 18 to close out the year. As Penix seeks a second opinion, it remains to be seen for certain whether or not the quarterback will be back on the field by then. But rarely do second opinions change an initial prognosis this drastic.
The Week 12 matchup will be a battle for the NFC South basement, with the losing team falling to last in the divisions. The Falcons are also monitoring an injury to star wide receiver Drake London.
Source: #Falcons WR Drake London suffered a PCL sprain and is out this week and potentially more.
With Michael Penix Jr out this week with an aggravation of his bone bruise and London out with a sprain, Atlanta is significantly short-handed. pic.twitter.com/i6SMQ3jG9V
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 17, 2025
