The Atlanta Falcons are making a major change at quarterback for Week 3, with Michael Penix Jr. named the starter against the Green Bay Packers.
The decision marks Penix's official return to the starting lineup after the knee injury that ended his 2025 season.
Penix returns as Atlanta's starter
Penix suffered a torn ACL midway through last season and underwent surgery. His recovery prevented him from playing in Atlanta's first two games of the 2026 season.
The quarterback was medically cleared for full football activities before the end of the preseason and will now have his first opportunity to lead the Falcons' offense in an official game this year.
Falcons make quarterback change after 0-2 start
Atlanta opened the season with Tua Tagovailoa as its starting quarterback, but an oblique injury kept him sidelined. Cooper Rush started the first two games while Penix completed his recovery.
The Falcons enter the matchup against Green Bay with an 0-2 record and have yet to make a red-zone appearance through their first two games.
Penix will now be tasked with bringing more stability to an offense that has struggled with turnovers and consistency in the passing game.
Return comes at Lambeau Field
Penix will make his return as a starter in a challenging environment, with Atlanta traveling to face the Packers on Thursday, September 24, at Lambeau Field.
Green Bay enters the matchup at 1-1, while Atlanta will look for its first victory of the season with Penix back in control of the offense.