Michael Penix Jr. Set to Start for Falcons vs. Packers on Thursday Night
The short version
- Michael Penix Jr. will start for the Falcons against the Packers in Week 3 on Thursday Night Football.
- It is his first start since Nov. 16, when he suffered a partially torn ACL.
- Penix became the starter after Atlanta began the season 0-2 under Cooper Rush, with Tua Tagovailoa managing an oblique injury.
- Penix said he spoke with head coach Kevin Stefanski after a 34-3 loss to Carolina and confirmed Monday he was ready to play.
The quarterback is in line to make his first start since November after recovering from a partially torn ACL, saying he will never sit out when healthy.
Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is expected back under center for the Atlanta Falcons when they host the Green Bay Packers in Week 3 on Thursday Night Football. It marks his first appearance in a game since Nov. 16, when he went down with a partially torn ACL.
Penix, 26, was elevated to the starting job after the Falcons opened the season 0-2 with Cooper Rush running the offense while Tua Tagovailoa dealt with an oblique injury. Addressing reporters, via Tori McElhaney, the quarterback made his position on availability clear: "I love this sport. I am never going to sit out if I am healthy."
According to Penix, he and head coach Kevin Stefanski spoke following Atlanta's 34-3 defeat against the Carolina Panthers and again on Monday, when the starter confirmed he was ready to play this week. He also described completing a demanding workout last Saturday, after which his body showed no issues.
McElhaney reported that Penix experienced notable soreness while ramping up toward the season and Week 1, which he had to manage. Getting through Saturday's session without soreness represented a meaningful step in his recovery. He will now try to guide the Falcons to their first victory of the year.
Written by the Matchday Live desk from reporting by Yahoo Sports.
Read the original report at Yahoo Sports ↗