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Penix completed 18 of 25 passes for 256 yards with one touchdown and one interception while rushing twice for minus-2 yards in the Falcons' 35-14 win over the Packers on Thursday. He also threw a two-point conversion pass.
Playing in his first game since Week 11 of last season, Penix started off sluggishly Thursday before finding a rhythm and putting together a near-flawless performance. Penix threw his one interception four plays into the night on a pass intended for Jahan Dotson, but he went on to record only five more incompletions the rest of the way while connecting with Austin Hooper for a five-yard touchdown pass just before halftime. Penix's chemistry with Drake London was also in fine form over the last three quarters, and he hit his No. 1 target for gains of 68 and 40 yards in the fourth quarter to help close out the upset victory. Penix should only get more comfortable the further removed he is from the third ACL surgery of his playing career, and he'll look to carry over the considerable momentum from his season debut into a Week 4 road divisional showdown against the Saints on Monday, Oct. 5.
Falcons' Michael Penix: Slated to start Thursday in '26 debut
Rotowire
The Falcons announced that Penix (knee) has been named the team's starting quarterback for Thursday's game against the Packers, Tori McElhaney of the team's official site reports.
Atlanta has determined that Penix is ready to make his 2026 debut, after he was held out for the first two games of the season while ramping back up from surgery last November to address a torn ACL in his left knee. Penix was cleared to resume taking part in 11-on-11 drills in late August, then avoided any setbacks while he was a full participant in practices throughout Weeks 1 and 2. With Penix back in the fold, Cooper Rush -- who started the first two games of the season -- could be inactive for Week 3 if Tua Tagovailoa (oblique) is deemed ready to handle the No. 2 role.
