Falcons Name Penix Jr. Starting Quarterback for Week 3

The Atlanta Falcons have named Michael Penix Jr. as their starting quarterback for their Week 3 game against the Green Bay Packers, the team announced on Monday, September 21, 2026. The decision comes as the Falcons seek to improve an offense that has scored only 16 points in two games to start the season. Penix, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, will make his first start since suffering a torn ACL in November 2025. He is replacing Cooper Rush, who struggled in two starts while fill-in for the injured Tua Tagovailoa. Rush completed 22 of 39 passes for 229 yards, one touchdown, and four interceptions in losses to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers. The Falcons announced the quarterback change on social media on Monday. Coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed the decision, stating he had a "decent idea" of the plan earlier in the day. "I talk to Mike every day and like I've told you guys, I'm very confident in our discussions with Mike, with medical, throughout this entire process," Stefanski said. Penix told reporters last week he felt "really good" in his recovery but wanted to achieve some personal technical goals before returning to game action.