The Atlanta Falcons are gearing up for a much-anticipated matchup against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football, where quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is expected to make his season debut. This comes after his recovery from a torn ACL that sidelined him since November 2025.
Why it matters: The Falcons have struggled to find their footing this season, starting with an 0-2 record. Penix's return could provide a much-needed spark for an offense that has been underwhelming, averaging just 8 points per game.
Penix, 26, has not played since injuring his left knee during a Week 11 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers on November 16, 2025.
He is set to play against the Packers on September 24, 2026, at 8:15 p.m. ET, after being a full participant in practices leading up to the game.
His return is particularly timely as the Falcons look to turn around their offensive struggles with only 4.2 yards per play, ranking 31st in the league.
Driving the news: Penix’s anticipated return follows a series of injuries that have plagued his career. He has a history of knee issues, having torn his right ACL twice during his college years in 2018 and 2020, before suffering the recent injury to his left ACL.
In the 2025 season, Penix appeared in nine games, completing 72.9% of his passes for 1,982 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions, demonstrating his potential to significantly impact the game.
Backup quarterback Cooper Rush started the first two games but struggled, posting a -0.529 adjusted EPA per play.
Tua Tagovailoa, who missed Week 1 due to an oblique injury, is also expected to be available, adding depth to the quarterback room.
State of play: The Falcons have relied heavily on Rush and rookie Jack Strand, who has yet to see NFL action. Rush's performance included a lackluster showing in a 20-13 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he completed just 12 of 22 passes for 143 yards.
Penix’s return could revitalize the team’s offensive strategy, as Atlanta has struggled to score, sitting at the bottom of the league in points per game.
With Penix back, the Falcons hope to improve their passing game, which has averaged only 5.3 yards per attempt, also ranking 31st in the NFL.
The Packers, who have allowed 0.161 EPA per dropback, may find it challenging to contain a healthy Penix and his targets like Drake London and Kyle Pitts.
The big picture: The Falcons are looking for a turnaround in their season, and Penix's presence on the field could be a game-changer. His ability to connect with key players can open up scoring opportunities that have been sorely lacking.
Penix's projected stats for Thursday night include 205.5 passing yards, 31.5 pass attempts, and a completion percentage of 58.7%, according to PrizePicks.
His performance will affect the Falcons' chances and influence fantasy football decisions as players like Bijan Robinson could benefit from increased scoring chances.
Atlanta is currently a 4.5-point underdog against the Packers, making this game even more important for their season momentum.
What they're saying: Analysts are cautiously optimistic about Penix’s return. "A healthy QB room could lead to a turnaround for the Falcons," one expert noted, highlighting the importance of both Penix and Tagovailoa being available.
Concerns remain about Penix's long-term health due to his history of knee injuries, but his swift recovery has impressed many.
“Considering his injury history, about 10 months seems like an impressive turnaround for Penix,” another analyst remarked, emphasizing the significance of his return.
By the numbers: Penix's stats from the 2025 season showcase his capabilities as a starting quarterback.
He averaged 7.2 yards per passing attempt and finished with a 47.8% success rate, placing him around the middle of the league.
In comparison, Rush's numbers have been dismal, with a 32.7% success rate, illustrating the potential improvement with Penix back in action.
Penix's on-target rate of 72.9% during the 2025 season far exceeds Rush's league-low 60.5%, indicating a likely boost in offensive efficiency.
What's next: The Falcons face the Packers on September 24, 2026, and Penix's performance will be closely monitored as fans and analysts alike hope for a resurgence.
Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET on Prime Video, and attention will turn to how well Penix can lead the team against a formidable opponent.
Should Penix perform well, it could set the tone for the rest of the season, potentially turning the Falcons’ fortunes around.
Fans are eager to see if Penix can deliver a strong performance and help the Falcons secure their first win of the season.