ATLANTA — Michael Penix Jr. was enjoying a nice bounce-back performance Sunday from his uneven play in the Atlanta Falcons' previous game.

But the quarterback aggravated a bone bruise on his left knee early in the third quarter of the Falcons' 30-27 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers and did not return. The Falcons, who have lost five straight, were leading 21-16 at the time of Penix's injury.

Falcons coach Raheem Morris did not have an update on Penix's status immediately after the game.

Kirk Cousins came in for the Falcons, as he did earlier this season when Penix missed a game against the Dolphins, and he struggled again. Cousins finished 6 of 14 for 84 yards and didn't lead the Falcons into the end zone in five possessions.

“I would like to see him go out and get a win today,”

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