A Tough Assignment for Michael Penix Jr.

The Atlanta Falcons haven't had the start to the season they were hoping for, and Michael Penix Jr.'s return comes at just the right time.

The quarterback will make his first start of the season on Thursday night against the Green Bay Packers, after missing the first two games of the campaign.

Atlanta is 0-2 and is struggling mightily on offense. Through two games, the Falcons are the only team in the NFL that has yet to run a play inside the opponent's 20-yard line. The team has scored only 16 points since the start of the season.

The situation at the quarterback position has obviously not helped. Cooper Rush started the first two games, while rookie Jack Strand also saw action against the Carolina Panthers. Rush, in particular, committed several turnovers in Atlanta's 34-3 loss.

A Return After 312 Days

For Michael Penix Jr., this game marks a long-awaited return. The quarterback hasn't played since November 16, 2025, when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. He will therefore have gone 312 days without playing in a regular-season game.

The player says, however, that his knee has now recovered enough to allow him to return to action. The Falcons also noted that he has gradually increased his workload in practice over the past few weeks.

His return could significantly change how the offense operates. In particular, Penix has an arm capable of attacking deeper into the field. During his first two seasons, his average target depth was 8.4 yards, a figure that ranked him among the NFL's most aggressive quarterbacks in that regard.

The Falcons will also be able to count on their key offensive players, including Bijan Robinson and Drake London. The goal will be to regain some efficiency and, above all, to finally start reaching the end zone on a regular basis.

Michael Penix Jr.'s first challenge, however, will be a significant one. He'll make his return at Lambeau Field against the Packers on Thursday night, in a game where Atlanta will look to put an end to its rough start to the season.

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