The New Orleans Saints will have an opportunity to get out of the NFC South basement in Week 12. During the team’s bye week, their opponent for that game suffered a blow that may hurt their chances to beat the Saints next weekend. The Atlanta Falcons may be without their quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., against New Orleans in Week 12 due to injury.
Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. injured during Week 11 loss to Panthers
In a loss to the Carolina Panthers that dropped them to 3-7 on the season, the Falcons QB is believed to have aggravated the same knee injury that he dealt with earlier in this season. There is concern he will miss some time, according to Ian Rapoport.
#Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr is believed to have aggravated the same knee injury as earlier in the season, per me and @TomPelissero.
That bone bruise in the same knee kept him out one game. More tests coming, but there is concern he’ll miss some time.
pic.twitter.com/1fMpX7MxIP — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 17, 2025
For the Saints, this would be a notable situation. They haven’t found much success in the win column so far this year as they sit at 2-8 coming out of their bye week.
Although, they looked better in Week 10 with Tyler Shough at quarterback. The rookie was impressive, and the Saints defense also flew around to destroy the Panthers’ momentum. That momentum was clearly reignited by playing Atlanta while the Saints were off this weekend.
Regardless, the loss of Penix would force veteran QB Kirk Cousins into the starting lineup for Atlanta against the Saints. Cousins struggled mightily earlier this season when he had to play in place of the younger Penix. New Orleans got after Bryce Young in their recent victory, and Cousins provides less upside than either Young or Penix.
If New Orleans beats Atlanta next weekend, they will push the Falcons into last place in the division. Even if it would hurt the Saints 2026 NFL Draft stock at the same time, getting a rivalry win that would be ATL’s sixth loss in a row would definitely feel good and help the morale around the team.
