Michael Penix Jr. is officially back.
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The Atlanta Falcons have named Penix their starting quarterback for Thursday night's game against the Green Bay Packers, marking his return from a torn ACL that ended his 2025 NFL season.
Penix underwent surgery in early November after suffering the injury midway through the year. He missed Atlanta's final seven games and spent the offseason gradually working his way back.
The former first-round pick participated on a limited basis during the spring and for much of training camp before receiving clearance for full 11-on-11 work late in the preseason.
Penix had hoped to be available for Week 1 but acknowledged that his knee was not yet where he wanted it physically. The Falcons initially turned to Tua Tagovailoa, who suffered an oblique injury before the season opener.
Cooper Rush started Atlanta's first two games, but the offense struggled badly during an 0-2 start. The Falcons are the NFL's only team that has yet to reach the red zone this season.
Rush committed three turnovers in a Week 2 loss to the Carolina Panthers and was replaced by undrafted rookie Jack Strand during the third quarter.
Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees recently said Penix had looked sharp and was moving well inside and outside the pocket.
Penix now gets the opportunity to revive an offense searching for consistency. His first start since the injury will come under the lights on "Thursday Night Football," against a Packers defense that should provide an immediate test.
