Michael Penix Jr. Named Falcons Starting QB

Michael Penix Jr. has officially been named the Falcons starting QB for Thursday night against the Packers.

Penix will make his first start of the 2026 season and his official return from the torn ACL that ended his 2025 season. He underwent surgery in November and missed Atlanta’s final 7 games.

The 26-year-old worked his way back throughout the offseason and training camp before being medically cleared for full team work late in the preseason. Penix said before Week 1 that he wanted to be fully ready before returning.

Atlanta enters Thursday night 0-2 and is the only offense in the NFL that has yet to run a play in the red zone this season.

Cooper Rush started the Falcons first 2 games but was benched during Sunday’s loss to the Panthers after committing 3 turnovers. Rookie Jack Strand replaced him in the 3rd quarter.

Tua Tagovailoa will now serve as the Falcons backup QB behind Penix.