Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed on Monday that quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will take the field as the starter for Thursday’s matchup at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers. The decision comes after a turbulent start to the season that saw the team fall to 0-2 and score just 16 points over two games.
Why Penix is getting the nod
Penix, who missed the latter part of the 2025 season following his third career ACL tear in a Week 11 loss to Carolina, has been cleared to practice this week. After a cautious summer rehab and limited reps in the previous practice, he received medical clearance to resume full quarterback duties.
Recent quarterback carousel
The Falcons have cycled through six different starting quarterbacks in the past six years, a record that underscores the urgency of finding stability at the position. Last season, undrafted rookie Cooper Rush earned a start in Week 2 after posting a 2.6 QBR in the opener, but his performance was marred by three turnovers—including two interceptions and a lost fumble—before he was benched.
Before Rush, the team’s offseason acquisition Tua Tagovailoa suffered an oblique injury during a Thursday practice before Week 1, forcing the Falcons to start Rush by default. Tagovailoa had won the starting job in training camp, leaving the team scrambling for a solution when he went down.
What the Falcons hope to achieve
Facing the Packers’ pass rush on a short week of practice is a tall order, but Stefanski believes Penix’s arm strength gives Atlanta its best chance to move the ball effectively. A stronger aerial attack could open running lanes for star running back Bijan Robinson and potentially involve receivers Drake London and Kyle Pitts more prominently.
Coach Stefanski’s comments
Stefanski told reporters, “I will give you an update when I’ve been able to talk to the players and work through it. So, I don’t have an update right this minute. But again, constant communication with Mike, with all of our guys, so we’ll work through it this week.”
Looking ahead
The Falcons’ next test at Lambeau Field will be a litmus test for the new quarterback’s readiness and the offense’s ability to generate points after a 34-3 loss to the Carolina Panthers. If Penix can execute the game plan and limit turnovers, Atlanta could begin to reverse its early-season slide and give fans a glimpse of the offensive spark they have been missing.
Falcons fans are encouraged to tune in Thursday night to see whether Penix can deliver the needed spark and help the team get back on track.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
