Deablo returns as Falcons get ready for Saints this Sunday.
Kirk Cousins returns to the role of starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons for the rest of the season, as previous starter Michael Penix Jr. heads to surgery.
That’s the latest development in a season that’s so far fallen below even modest expectations for the team, due in part to a spate of injuries affecting Falcons starters.
Penix Jr., the starting quarterback until an injury in the ill-fated Carolina Panthers game last Sunday, will be heading to surgery soon for a partially torn ACL, which will require at least nine months out of action.
The Falcons confirmed earlier today that a second medical opinion confirmed earlier reports that Penix Jr.’s injury was serious enough to require season-ending surgery.
“After further medical evaluation, it has been determined Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will undergo season-ending surgery for a partially torn ACL,” said a statement released by the Falcons this morning.
Easton Stick joins the Falcons’ active roster as backup quarterback, and Kyle Trask will join the team’s practice squad.
Falcons coach Raheem Morris said there was no timetable for Penix Jr. to return going into next season. “It ‘d be hard for me to say no right now,” said Morris, asked if Penix Jr. would be ready to go on Week 1 next season. “I got a lot of confidence in Michael.”
“We’re obviously sick about it,” said Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson. “Mike’s our guy. He’s handled adversity before, and he’ll handle it as well has he can. We’re rallying around him.”
Robinson also said Penix “was as in good of spirits as he could be.”
Cousins, in his second year with the Falcons, said of Penix Jr. “Heart breaks for him…I’m very confident he has a lot of good football ahead of him.”
As far as his own health, Cousins said, “I do feel good. I would never tell you if I wasn’t-until the season’s over. “
There was a shot of good news for the Falcons today. Divine Deablo, Falcons linebacker whose left forearm was injured during Week 7 playing the 49ers, was activated today and is likely to play against the Saints. His 21-day window is now open, and the Falcons have chosen to activate him rather than put him in injury reserve.
“He looked good,” said Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. “He’s been so diligent in his time off on really staying up to date with what we’ve done defensively…It’s like he never skipped a beat.”
As the Falcons head to New Orleans for another must-win game that’s sure to bring more scrutiny and criticism if they lose for a sixth consecutive time, Cousins, with a lot of pressure on him to deliver a win, is keeping a positive attitude.
“Positive vibes only, PVO,” he said. “I think that’s important, stay positive through whatever happens in this league.”
Image credit: Atlanta Falcons
