Penix gets clean bill of health at NFL combine

The Washington Huskies star quarterback passed his biggest test at the NFL combine with flying colors on Friday.

The biggest question surrounding Michael Penix Jr. coming into the NFL Combine was his health. The former Washington Huskies superstar quarterback and runner up for the Heisman Trophy in 2023 had a long and treacherous injury history during his time at Indiana before transferring to UW, where he suffered four season ending knee injuries.

After going through an extensive series of procedures that all prospects who attend the annual combine in Indianapolis have to endure, it appears he can put those questions behind him.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport stated that Penix’s medical testing “went well” and added that the potential first-round pick received “positive reviews” in terms of his medical evaluation.

“Any medical questions that Penix had seem to be kind of pushed a little back under the radar,” Rapoport said.

Calling this good news for Penix would be an understatement, as he is battling to hear his name called on the first night of April’s draft. Current mock drafts have him sitting anywhere from eighth overall, to outside of the first round with most analysts highlighting his medical records as their biggest concern.

Since Penix passed his off-field tests, now he can focus on throwing in front of scouts on Saturday. With USC’s Caleb Williams, North Carolina’s Drake Maye, and LSU’s Jayden Daniels all opting not to participate in the drills, Penix has a chance to solidify himself as a first-round pick.

“I’m willing to compete at the highest level,” Penix told the media on Friday. “Every time I have an opportunity to compete, I’m going to take it. Nothing against the guys that aren’t doing it, everyone has their own reasons, but for me, I don’t pass up on opportunities to compete.”