Falcons president Matt Ryan won’t commit to Penix as starter

Atlanta– Falcon Football chairman Matt Ryan will not make any promises on Tuesday Michael Penix Jr. Being the team’s starting quarterback.

Penix is ​​recovering from surgery to repair a torn left ACL he suffered last November. He is expected to be out for nine to 12 months.

At Tuesday’s introductory press conference for new general manager Ian Cunningham, Ryan was asked if Penix would be the Falcons’ starter when he returned and Ryan said no way.

“None of us are head coaches of a football team, so we can’t answer your question on that,” Ryan said. “… I think as we start to get involved in the process and delve deeper into the roster — how it currently stands, where it’s going in the future — I think those are the conversations that will be a part of it.

“The quarterback is obviously very important, and we’re excited about Mike and what he’s doing with his rehab. I’ve been in the facility the last three weeks, and Michael has been attacking out there and he’s in a good place right now, so we’re excited about where he’s at. But of course, there’s a lot of discussion for us about the entire roster.”

Ryan led the search committee that hired Cunningham last Thursday night and new head coach Kevin Stefanski on Jan. 17. The Falcons, who have not made the playoffs nor had a winning record since 2017, fired then-head coach Raheem Morris and then-GM Terry Fontenot after an 8-9 season in 2025.

The 25-year-old Penix completed 60.1% of his passes for 1,982 yards with nine touchdowns and three interceptions in nine games last season. The team went 3–6 in his debut. The Falcons drafted Penix with the No. 8 pick in 2024.

cancer cousinWho is likely to be released due to salary cap considerations, completed 61% of his passes for 1,721 yards with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions in 10 games. With Cousins ​​starting, the Falcons led 5–3.

Stefanski praised Penix at his introductory news conference last week.

“I think you see on tape a player who can make strides, layer the ball, push the ball to all areas of the field,” Stefanski said. “Obviously, was very productive in college, had some really, really, really good moments here in the pros. So, I just see a young player who will continue to develop and keep getting better.”