Michael Penix Jr. Opens Up About his ACL Recovery

Michael Penix Jr. has made it clear that his goal is to be under center when the Atlanta Falcons open the regular season, but the quarterback understands there is still another hurdle he must clear before that happens.

Penix is continuing his recovery from the torn ACL that ended his 2025 season. While the physical side of his rehabilitation has progressed, Penix has acknowledged that the mental aspect of returning from the injury may be the biggest challenge.

Before the start of training camp, Penix received encouraging news regarding his surgically repaired knee from his doctor. “You have an amazing ACL. You shouldn’t have knee problems again.”

The positive medical assessment has given Penix confidence in the physical condition of his knee. However, the Falcons quarterback understands that trusting the knee again after a major injury is a different challenge.

Penix discussed that process during an appearance on Cam Newton’s podcast, “4th & 1”, where he explained that he wants to start the first game of the season but isn’t putting a specific timetable on his return.

“I want to start,” Penix said. “I want to start the first game of the season. But at the end of the day, it’s about how I feel. So there’s not really a timeframe on it.

Penix also opened up about the mental battle that comes with returning from injury.

“A lot of it is mental. Physically, I got a good ACL. The doctors did what they needed to do. I can go out there and do anything. But mentally, you hesitate, and it’s like do I trust it?”

That hesitation is a natural part of returning from an ACL injury, particularly for a quarterback who needs to move confidently inside and outside the pocket.

Penix’s comments also provide insight into why his return won’t simply be determined by whether he receives medical clearance. The physical work is only one part of the process. He must also regain the confidence to plant, cut, escape pressure and make throws without thinking about his surgically repaired knee.

For now, Penix’s target remains Week 1. His doctor believes the knee is in excellent shape, and Penix believes he can physically perform at a high level.

The final step is making sure his mind trusts what his body can already do.