A return could come on Thursday
Michael Penix Jr. has not played a snap of NFL football since November 16. ESPN reported on Sunday that the Atlanta Falcons quarterback could be back on the field as soon as Thursday against the Green Bay Packers. According to the outlet’s sources, he should be ready for Week 3.
The 26-year-old tore the ACL in his left knee in Week 11 last season, in an overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers. Ten months on the sideline. In a bit of calendar irony, he is among the inactives this Sunday for the visit of those same Panthers.
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Atlanta is patching things together behind center
Penix may not be the only one set to return Thursday night. Tua Tagovailoa, out in Week 1 with an oblique issue and then ruled out again against Carolina, is on roughly the same timetable. Atlanta could get two quarterbacks back in one evening.
For now, the franchise is leaning on Cooper Rush and Jack Strand. Rush, 32, started Week 1 in Pittsburgh: 12 completions on 22 attempts, 143 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in a 20-13 loss. Strand is 22. Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Minnesota State-Moorhead, he has yet to play in the NFL.
A gamble after three days of rest
The timing raises questions. Thursday means Thursday Night Football. Only three days separate Sunday’s game from the meeting with Green Bay. Throwing a quarterback back in on a rebuilt knee inside that window is a risky move, especially after such a long layoff.
Atlanta does not have much room to wait, though. The franchise dropped its opener in Pittsburgh and is still searching for a proper leader under center. Penix is entering his third professional season and has yet to throw a pass in 2026. The Falcons have spent the last 10 months waiting to see what their offense looks like with him calling the shots. They may get an answer Thursday night in Atlanta.
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