Atlanta fans finally have a clear starter for Thursday Night Football. After a chaotic preseason that saw multiple quarterbacks on the sidelines, the Falcons announced that Michael Penix III will take the field in Week 3 against the Green Bay Packers.
How the quarterback carousel unfolded
Falcons fans entered the 2026 season with high hopes after selecting Penix with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The team originally planned to let him develop behind veteran Kirk Cousins, who was signed as the presumed starter. Cousins’ lingering Achilles issues limited his effectiveness, and Penix started five games as a rookie before a season‑ending ACL tear forced him out.
In 2025 Penix reclaimed the starting role, only to suffer a third ACL tear that required reconstructive surgery. He was medically cleared before the final preseason game, but he admitted in Week 2 that he had not yet met all the physical benchmarks the medical staff required for full‑speed contact.
With Penix unavailable for Weeks 1 and 2, the Falcons turned to Tua Tagovailoa, who was later sidelined by back spasms. Cooper Rush was brought in for a workout and signed before camp began, while undrafted rookie Jack Strand earned a roster spot after Siemian was waived with an injury settlement.
Tagovailoa’s oblique injury handed the reins to Rush, who then suffered a back strain during the final walk‑through. Rush still started Week 1 against the Steelers, posting modest numbers (12‑of‑22, 143 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT). Week 2 saw him complete 10 of 17 passes for 86 yards with two interceptions. After a brief benching in favor of Strand, the Falcons settled on Penix for Week 3.
What to expect from Penix and the offense
During training camp the coaching staff used a modified drill—an exercise ball rolled toward the snap—to simulate pass‑rush pressure without jeopardizing Penix’s knee. The quarterback has now completed a full‑speed practice schedule and is medically cleared. The reconstructive work on his knee is intended to prevent a fourth ACL injury.
Atlanta’s offensive line is still adjusting after longtime right tackle Kaleb McGary retired. New addition Jawaan Taylor, signed this offseason, missed the first two games with a rib injury but is expected to play Thursday. The line will need to protect Penix against a Packers pass rush that has already recorded seven sacks in two games, ranking first in the league for negative‑yardage plays.
Switching from right‑handed quarterbacks (Rush, Strand) to the left‑handed Penix may require a brief adjustment for the line and receivers. However, Penix’s larger arm strength should allow the Falcons to stretch the field more effectively, taking advantage of playmakers like Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson.
Backup plan and potential challenges
If Penix cannot finish the game, Tagovailoa remains active and ready to step in, ensuring the offense does not have to revert to a right‑handed quarterback mid‑game. The biggest concern remains Penix’s rust after not seeing game action since November 2025. While the medical staff is confident he will not re‑injure his knee, there is a legitimate risk he may be a step slower than his preseason reps suggest.
Nevertheless, the Falcons are counting on Penix’s rested condition and the element of surprise—opponents have no film of him operating in the new “Tommy Rees” offense. If he can lead Atlanta to a win, the team will avoid a 0‑3 start and regain momentum heading into the rest of the season.
Looking ahead
Falcons supporters will be watching closely to see whether Penix can deliver a steady performance against a formidable Packers defense. A solid showing could solidify his role as the franchise quarterback and provide the stability the team has been searching for all preseason.
Original reporting: All Sports Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
