Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. does not appear likely to need too long before he is able to make his 2026 debut.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Sunday that Penix hopes to return for Week 2 or 3 as he recovers from an ACL tear. Whether Penix will immediately be inserted as the team’s starter still remains to be seen.
From @NFLGameDay Morning (in-studio!): The #Falcons won’t have QB Tua Tagovailoa (oblique) today, but Michael Penix Jr could next week or Week 3; Meanwhile, the NFL is attempting to obtain the Josh Jacobs video for its investigation. pic.twitter.com/fqGbuA1Rv8
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 13, 2026
Such a quick return timeline does raise some questions about Tua Tagovailoa, who had been named the Week 1 starter before an injury forced him out of action. If Penix can play in Week 2 and the Falcons go right back to him, Tagovailoa may never even get the chance to suit up for the Falcons during a regular season game.
By Penix’s own admission, he did not feel physically ready to go in Week 1, and told the team as much. It is reasonable to assume that the Falcons would have started him if he had. Cooper Rush will get the nod in Week 1 with Tagovailoa sidelined due to an oblique injury, so getting Penix back for Week 2 would certainly be convenient from Atlanta’s point of view.
Penix has played in 14 games over his first two NFL seasons. He has thrown for 2,757 yards with 12 touchdowns and six interceptions, and has a 4-8 record as a starter for Atlanta.
