Overview
- The Atlanta Falcons announced Monday that Michael Penix Jr. will start Thursday Night Football in Week 3 at the Green Bay Packers.
- Penix has been cleared to practice and was a full participant in recent team work after tearing his ACL last November, giving coaches a live game test of his recovery.
- Atlanta turned to Penix after an 0-2 start in which the offense scored 16 total points, failed to reach the red zone and saw Cooper Rush struggle before rookie Jack Strand threw a pick-six.
- Tua Tagovailoa remains sidelined with an improving oblique injury, and coach Kevin Stefanski said the team discussed the plan with players before making the decision.
- How Penix performs on a short week will affect the Falcons’ immediate game plan, the QB depth chart and longer-term decisions about Penix’s role given his injury history and 2024 first-round status.