Michael Penix Jr. Named Falcons' QB1 for Packers Game After Injury Recovery With Tua Out

For the first time since November of last year, Michael Penix Jr. will be under center for the Atlanta Falcons in a regular-season game.

Atlanta announced Monday that Penix will start Thursday's contest against the Green Bay Packers with Tua Tagovailoa still sidelined by an oblique injury:

Penix was recovering from the torn ACL he suffered last season, although he told reporters ahead of Sunday's loss to the Carolina Panthers that he was "close" to returning.

"I know I've been saying that, but there's just a couple of technical things that I want to hit, some goals that I have that I want to achieve before I do stuff out on that field," he said. "But I do feel really good, and we're taking strides each and every day."

This is a welcome development for the Falcons, as Cooper Rush started each of the first two games and struggled.

He went 12-of-22 for 143 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in the Week 1 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers and then followed up at 10-of-17 for 86 yards, zero touchdowns and two interceptions in the Week 2 loss to the Panthers.

▶️ Full Panthers-Falcons Recap

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Jack Strand entered the game against Carolina and also threw an interception as the offense managed just three points.

Atlanta has plenty of offensive weapons with Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts, so Penix could raise the team's ceiling just by getting the ball into their hands and simplifying the offensive approach.

This will also give the Falcons the opportunity to evaluate Penix in a game situation before they may have to make a starting decision between him and Tagovailoa. Still, they selected Penix with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft and surely still hope he develops into the franchise quarterback they envisioned with that pick.

Thursday is his first chance to start working toward that goal during game action this season.