Falcons debut Michael Penix Jr. as QB injuries hit league
Yahoo Sports reported that Michael Penix Jr. made his first start for the Atlanta Falcons on September 24, 2026, after injuries sidelined quarterbacks Jaxson Dart, Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels. Caleb Williams suffered a hamstring injury and was carted off at Soldier Field on September 19, 2026, according to USA Today. Jayden Daniels dislocated his left elbow in the same week, USA Today added.
NBC Sports noted that four of the league's 32 starting quarterbacks were injured in the first two weeks of the season. CBS Sports said the spate of injuries forced six teams — the New York Giants, Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders, Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons — to revise their season expectations. Yahoo Sports also reported that Jaxson Dart sustained an injury, leaving his team with a backup quarterback.
