Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) talks to the media during the first day of training camp at IBM Performance Field.
Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
With the Atlanta Falcons experiencing a boatload of quarterback injuries, the fanbase is wondering when Michael Penix Jr. will be ready to come back amidst issues with Tua Tagovailoa and Cooper Rush. As rumors have surrounded Penix and the Falcons regarding a return, this NFL insider would give a timetable for the 26-year-old.
According to league insider Ian Rapoport, Penix could see his return to the field “next week or Week 3,” as Rush will be starting Week 1 on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers with Tagovailoa dealing with an oblique injury.
“Let's talk about the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterbacks because there's been a couple. We'll start with Tua Tagovailoa, who was supposed to be the starter today for the Atlanta Falcons, dealing with an oblique injury that he suffered this week in practice, not able to go, which means Cooper Rush somehow is going to be the starter for the Atlanta Falcons,” Rapoport said on NFL GameDay.
“Despite his own back spasms, he is going to be good to go today,” Rapoport continued. “So when is Michael Penix Jr. going to be ready? My understanding is Week 2 or 3 was the target for him. So we will see next week if he is available as he comes back from that ACL tear.”
From @NFLGameDay Morning (in-studio!): The #Falcons won’t have QB Tua Tagovailoa (oblique) today, but Michael Penix Jr could next week or Week 3; Meanwhile, the NFL is attempting to obtain the Josh Jacobs video for its investigation. pic.twitter.com/fqGbuA1Rv8
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 13, 2026
More on the Falcons' quarterback injuries ahead of Week 1
The Falcons quarterback room includes not only quarterbacks recovering from injury, like Penix and his torn ACL from last November, but also players dealing with issues like Tagovailoa's oblique and Rush's back. Adam Schefter reported Sunday morning that Rush dealt with back spasms Saturday, though he is “feeling better” on game day and will start for the team.
“Falcons QB Cooper Rush, who experienced back spasms Saturday morning, is said to be feeling better this morning and is expected to be ready to start today’s opener against the Steelers, per source.”
At any rate, Rush hopes to keep the ship afloat on Sunday in the regular-season opener against the Steelers, as it remains to be seen when Tagovailoa and Penix will come back and be ready to play for the team.