Falcons sign former Tom Brady backup after confirming Michael Penix Jr’s injury

The Atlanta Falcons have confirmed that Michael Penix Jr. suffered a season-ending injury. Following the devastating news, the NFC South club has acquired a new quarterback — one who recently served as Tom Brady’s backup.

On Wednesday, the Falcons announced that Penix Jr. suffered an ACL injury that will abruptly end his 2025 NFL season. It is a massive blow for the team, as Kirk Cousins is now set to take over as the starter.

To add depth to the position, the Falcons acted quickly. On Wednesday, Atlanta signed QB Kyle Trask to its practice squad, although he is not expected to be elevated to the active roster for Week 12.

Could Kyle Trask ‘steal’ Kirk Cousins’ job in Atlanta?

The season-ending injury to Michael Penix Jr. is a major blow for the Falcons. Head coach Raheem Morris viewed the rookie as the team’s future savior, but he will now have to rely on veteran Kirk Cousins to lead the offense.

Before Penix Jr.’s injury, Morris hinted multiple times that Cousins wasn’t his preferred quarterback. With the sophomore signal-caller now sidelined, the head coach seemingly has no choice but to trust Cousins… or does he?

Kyle Trask served as Tom Brady’s backup during TB12’s final season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. When Brady retired, many assumed Trask would become the clear backup behind Baker Mayfield — but that offseason took an unexpected turn.

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When Mayfield signed with the Buccaneers, Trask emerged as a surprising challenger in the quarterback competition. Although Mayfield ultimately won the job and the rest is history, Trask’s performance raised eyebrows and proved he could push a veteran.

While Morris has publicly stated that Cousins will remain the starter and Easton Stick the backup, Trask should not be counted out. The head coach has never been fully sold on Cousins, and any slip-up from the veteran could quickly put Trask in the conversation.