The Falcons have been waiting. And waiting. And waiting.
The waiting may be over.
ESPN reports that quarterback Michael Penix Jr. “is nearing a return” and “could” make his 2026 debut on Thursday night, when the Falcons travel to Lambeau Field for a Week 3 contest.
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During NFL Network’s GameDay morning, Steve Wyche reported that Falcons president of football Matt Ryan said Penix is “getting close,” but he declined to put a timetable on his return.
The team has had some muted frustrations about Penix’s unwillingness to play. But he’s not yet comfortable exposing his surgically repaired left knee to contact.
Without Penix, and with Tua Tagovailoa out due to an oblique injury, Cooper Rush started in Week 1, and he’ll start in Week 2.
Through two seasons, Penix has 14 regular-season appearances and 12 starts, with four wins. After starting last season 3-2, Penix has lost four straight starts.
For now, the Falcons and Rush will face the Panthers, who won the division on the final Sunday of the 2025 season when Kirk Cousins led Atlanta to a win over the Saints.
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