ATLANTA (AP) — Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was questionable to return after injuring his left knee when he was hit by Carolina Panthers safety Tre’von Moehrig in the third quarter Sunday.

Penix was hit just after he released the ball on third down and the ball fell incomplete. He started to walk off the field, then sat down and waited for the athletic training staff. Penix walked to the sideline under his own power and was examined in the injury tent.

He came out and sat down on the bench while backup quarterback Kirk Cousins talked with Falcons quarterback coach D.J. Williams.

Penix was 13 of 16 for 175 yards and the Falcons led 21-16 at the time of the injury.

Cousins replaced Penix on the next series. Cousins started one game earlier this season when Penix had a bone bruise on his left knee.

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