The Falcons have been waiting. And waiting. And waiting.
The waiting may be over.
ESPN reports that quarterback Michael Penix Jr. âÂÂis nearing a returnâ and âÂÂcouldâ make his 2026 debut on Thursday night, when the Falcons travel to Lambeau Field for a Week 3 contest.
The team has had some muted frustrations about PenixâÂÂs unwillingness to play. But heâÂÂs not yet comfortable exposing his surgically repaired left knee to contact.
Without Penix, and with Tua Tagovailoa out due to an oblique injury, Cooper Rush started in Week 1, and heâÂÂll start in Week 2.
Through two seasons, Penix has 14 regular-season appearances and 12 starts, with four wins. After starting last season 3-2, Penix has lost four straight starts.
For now, the Falcons and Rush will face the Panthers, who won the division on the final Sunday of the 2025 season when Kirk Cousins led Atlanta to a win over the Saints.