The Atlanta Falcons announced Monday that quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will start Thursday night against the Green Bay Packers, per ESPN. The 2024 first-rounder will make his season debut after missing the team's first two games.
Penix was fully cleared to return from a partially torn ACL in August, per NFL Trade Rumors, but the Falcons held him out to allow for proper recovery. Yahoo Sports reported that the team "has seen enough from Cooper Rush," indicating dissatisfaction with the backup quarterback who has started the season. ESPN reported the team announced the decision Monday, though it did not specify whether Rush or another quarterback served as the starter in Week 2.
The exact circumstances of Penix's injury timeline differ slightly across reports. Pro Football Talk indicated the ACL tear occurred in November 2025, while NFL Trade Rumors described it as a partially torn ACL without specifying when it occurred. The Falcons have started the season 0-2.