NFL3 hours ago1 minute read

Falcons Turn to Michael Penix Jr. to Solve Quarterback Crisis

Michael Penix Jr. is set to make his season debut for the winless Atlanta Falcons on Thursday against the Green Bay Packers.

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Penix Ready for Return

The winless Atlanta Falcons are finally getting some help at quarterback. Michael Penix Jr. is set to make his season debut this Thursday night on the road against the Green Bay Packers. The Falcons made the announcement on Monday.

This will be the first start for Penix since he tore his left ACL in Week 11 last November. After undergoing reconstructive surgery and a second procedure to stabilize his joint, doctors cleared him to practice in late August. However, Penix told the team before Week 1 that he was not yet ready for live game action.

Atlanta's Quarterback Struggles

Atlanta's quarterback situation has been difficult. Offseason signing Tua Tagovailoa won the job out of training camp but suffered an oblique injury in practice. That forced third string quarterback Cooper Rush into action for the first two games.

Rush struggled while dealing with back spasms. He completed 22 of 39 passes for 229 yards, with one touchdown, four interceptions, and a lost fumble.

During Sunday's 34-3 loss to the Carolina Panthers, the Falcons benched Rush in the third quarter for undrafted rookie Jack Strand. Strand threw a pick six on his very first pass attempt. He was the first quarterback to throw a pick six on his first career pass attempt since Sam Darnold in 2018, and the first Falcons quarterback to do so since Brett Favre in 1991. Strand finished the game with 59 yards on 8 of 15 passing.

What Penix Brings

The 26 year old Penix was drafted eighth overall by Atlanta in 2024. He replaced Kirk Cousins as the starter late in the 2024 season.

Penix has only 12 career starts under his belt. Over two seasons, he has completed 59.6 percent of his passes for 2,757 yards, throwing 12 touchdowns and six interceptions.

What it means for the next game

Atlanta Falcons at Green Bay Packers (NFL, Fri, 25 Sep): Green Bay Packers win 75%, Atlanta Falcons win 25%; projected score Green Bay Packers 26, Atlanta Falcons 20. Our safest pick: Packers to win.