Possible start for Michael Penix Jr. in Week 3 as Tua Tagovailoa expected to remain backup

Michael Penix Jr. could make his first start of the 2026 season for the Atlanta Falcons in the Week 3 game against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night, after several weeks in which he had returned to full practice but was considered unable to play. The admission came about 10 months after his latest ACL knee ligament injury.

As reported by the NFL, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter said Penix was once again a full participant in practice sessions, yet on Friday he gave way to Cooper Rush in first-team reps. Cooper Rush, 32, will make his second consecutive start on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. Tagovailoa could also return from an oblique muscle injury and is expected to practice during the week, with the possibility of being activated as Penix’s backup if he is ready.

Tagovailoa, previously released by Miami and signed this summer to a veteran-minimum deal, is expected not to be bought out or traded, remaining part of the Falcons’ plan. He was a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, while Penix was a first-round selection in 2024. If neither quarterback is ready for Week 3, their next chance to play will come 11 days later, in the Week 4 game against rivals the New Orleans Saints on October 5; Atlanta is currently 0-1 and has struggled at the quarterback position all summer.

According to the NFL, their eventual availability will depend on how this week’s practices develop and on the coaching staff’s decisions about activation for the Packers game, as the team tries to find the stability needed for the start of the season.