Falcons get encouraging Michael Penix Jr. update on Week 3 status

The Atlanta Falcons are starting Cooper Rush for the second straight week to begin the 2026 NFL season, something the Falcons likely didn't consider as a possibility entering the season.

Michael Penix Jr. has not been ready to return through the first two weeks, though he's been close. Tua Tagovailoa has an oblique injury he sustained in practice and won't suit up just yet either.

However, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport, the Falcons got some very encouraging news on Penix's availability for Week 3, with the lefty quarterback very much in play to start Thursday Night Football next week.

Falcons might get Michael Penix Jr. back for Week 3

"The Atlanta Falcons' frustrating quarterback picture is finally clearing up," Rapoport and Schefter write. "Michael Penix Jr., the Falcons' preferred starter, is nearing a return and could make his 2026 debut Thursday night against the Green Bay Packers, according to sources."

This is some massive news for the Falcons. Even though it's not a confirmation that Penix will be good to go for this Week 3 matchup, just the idea that he's close enough to make it a real possibility is extremely encouraging.

If not Week 3, it seems likely Penix will be good to go in Week 4 for the Falcons. The short week for Penix does make a Week 3 return a bit more tricky, as he's losing the three extra days he would normally have if it were a Sunday start.

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Still, he's seemingly in play for Week 3 against the Packers this upcoming Thursday, which is some incredible news for a Falcons team that really needs Penix back.

Rush struggled in Week 1, to the point where the passing offense could not function at an NFL level. Tagovailoa is hurt and didn't look good during the preseason. Jack Strand is a fun undrafted rookie free agent, but he's not someone the Falcons can trust.

Getting Penix back would be a massive boost for Atlanta, and it seems very possible that he's suiting up on Thursday against the Packers.

Nothing is official yet, but this report from Rapoport and Schefter is the kind of update that should get Falcons fans excited for Week 3.

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