Penix returns from ACL injury as Falcons beat Packers

Michael Penix Jr. returned from a torn ACL to lead the Atlanta Falcons to a 35-14 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, completing 18 of 25 passes for 256 yards and a touchdown in his first start since the injury. He threw an interception on Atlanta’s fourth offensive play, then rebounded as the Falcons earned their first win of the season. Penix’s return followed an injury that sidelined him for the final seven games of the previous season. Before the game, he said he felt healthy and ready to play. He explained that his return depended on his knee’s condition, not a week-to-week timetable, and said he had not felt ready during the Falcons’ first two games. The early interception came on Penix’s first drive, when Packers safety Xavier McKinney picked off a poorly placed pass. Penix said he kept his focus on the long game and on helping Atlanta win. He went on to complete passes to multiple targets, including a touchdown to tight end Austin Hooper. Wide receiver Drake London caught nine passes for 194 yards, accounting for a substantial share of Penix’s production.