It’s just two weeks into the NFL season, but time is already running out fast for the Atlanta Falcons. After being blown out in Week 2 by the Carolina Panthers, the Falcons find themselves at 0-2 and have scored just 16 points in their first two games.
Thankfully, help is on the way for the struggling offense, as the Falcons named franchise quarterback Michael Penix Jr. as the starter for Thursday’s matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Penix, 26, has been out of action since Week 11 of the 2025 season, when he suffered a partially torn ACL. The quarterback underwent reconstructive ACL surgery and is now officially ready to go after practicing throughout training camp.
The
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet)[#Falcons]are starting Michael Penix Jr for Week 3, as QB1 makes his first start. Penix has deemed his reconstructed ACL ready after splitting reps last week with the 1.
The[#Packers]loom on Thursday.[pic.twitter.com/QrMrdQJtN7][September 21, 2026]
The Falcons’ offense has been in shambles this season after third-string quarterback Cooper Rush had to take the helm. Backup quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered an oblique injury in one of the last practices before Week 1, and the Falcons ha...