Falcons’ Michael Penix Jr. could return vs. Packers, ESPN reports
Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is nearing a return.
Exactly when that return happens remains a question.
The Falcons’ quarterback quandary has been the biggest storyline throughout training camp and into the start of the regular season, when their No. 3 option, Cooper Rush, started the opener against the Steelers.
Penix, though, could be targeting Week 3 for his return from last season’s devastating ACL injury. According to a report by ESPN’s Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter, Penix’s return is possible for Thursday against the Packers in Green Bay.
Rush, who was signed on the first day of training camp, has been a viable veteran option, and he was named the starter for Sunday’s matchup against the Panthers.
Tua Tagovailoa, who was added in the offseason as a potential starter, has dealt with oblique injuries and has been limited in the preseason, along with the opener.
Tagovailoa came to the Falcons as a free agent on a veteran-minimum contract worth $1.2 million for this season. After six seasons with the Dolphins, including a Pro Bowl in 2023, his production fell off. But with the Falcons’ quarterback issues, he was a good insurance policy until Penix could return.
It looks like that time is getting closer.