Michael Penix Jr. will once again be inactive for the Falcons tomorrow. The third-year quarterback continues to work his way back from the partial ACL tear which ended his 2025 campaign.
Penix was sidelined for much of the offseason, limiting his ability to genuinely compete with Tua Tagovailoa for the QB1 gig. Penix has been practicing for multiple weeks, though, and a preparedness to take hits in live action has increasingly been seen as a hurdle in need of being cleared in this case. A return to the fold in time for this weekend will not be taking place, but Week 3 could be feasible.
Jonathan Jones of The Athletic writes the quick turnaround leading up to Atlanta’s Thursday night game against the Packers may not prove to be an impediment to Penix making his debut at that time. Improved health in general would of course be welcomed on an Atlanta team which will be starting Cooper Rush once more on Sunday. With Tagovailoa listed as doubtful for Week 2, undrafted rookie Jack Strand is again in line to handle backup duties tomorrow.
Penix entered the NFL with a history of knee injuries dating back to his college career. The former No. 8 pick has made 12 starts to date at the pro level, and 2026 will be critical with respect to Atlanta’s new regime evaluating his status as a potential long-term answer at the quarterback spot. A decision on Penix’s fifth-year option will need to be made next spring, and much of that call will be dictated by the 26-year-old’s showings upon returning to the field.
Atlanta was limited to 13 points and 238 yards during a loss to the Steelers last week. A stronger output will be the goal for Sunday, but in any case attention after the contest will again turn to the matter of Penix’s health status. Jones writes the additional time between Weeks 3 and 4 for the Falcons could help Penix make his debut on Thursday. As a result, practice participation over the coming days will be worth watching closely.