Falcons to Start Penix Jr. vs. Packers
Atlanta Falcons announce rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. will start Thursday night vs. Packers after struggling offense.
The update
The Atlanta Falcons are making a quarterback change for Thursday night’s game against the Green Bay Packers. Rookie Michael Penix Jr. will make his first start of the 2026 season. The move comes after the Falcons offense sputtered in the first two games, resulting in a 34-3 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Penix replaces Cooper Rush, who was benched during that game.
Why it matters
This is a high-stakes move for a winless team. Penix was the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 draft and brings a strong arm, but he missed the entire 2025 season recovering from a torn ACL. The Falcons are desperate for improved offensive production, as their fill-in quarterback has struggled with turnovers and inconsistent play.
What to watch
Will Penix be able to find a rhythm and lead the offense to a win? The Falcons’ defense will need to step up and keep the game close while Penix adjusts to live game action. This could be a pivotal moment for the team’s season.
Sources
- Associated Press — announcement of Penix starting, team record (0-2), previous QB performance stats
- espn.com — details on Penix's ACL recovery, timeline of return, and Cooper Rush's statistics
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