Michael Penix Jr. Nears Week 3 Falcons Start 10 Months After ACL Tear
Updated
Updated · NFL.com · Sep 20
Michael Penix Jr. Nears Week 3 Falcons Start 10 Months After ACL Tear
3 articles · Updated · NFL.com · Sep 20
Summary
Week 3 could bring Michael Penix Jr.'s first 2026 start, with the Falcons expected to consider him for Thursday night's game against Green Bay after another full week of practice.
10 months after his latest ACL injury, Penix was again a full participant, though Atlanta still gave first-team reps Friday to Cooper Rush, who is set for his second straight start Sunday against Carolina.
Tua Tagovailoa also could return Thursday from an oblique injury and may dress as Penix's backup; reports said Atlanta is not expected to trade or release him.
Atlanta opened 0-1 after an offseason quarterback battle disrupted by injuries to both Penix and Tagovailoa, leaving the team close to finally having its top two options available.