Falcons reveal Michael Penix Jr.'s Week 1 status

Penix being inactive seems to indicate he was never going to be ready to start this game. He is still coming back from an ACL injury that ended his 2025 season prematurely and did not appear in the preseason.

That essentially gives Tagovailoa the job by default, with Rush waiting to come in if necessary. Tagovailoa can indeed keep the job if he performs well. However, it seems clear the team is waiting on Penix to return. Otherwise, there would have been no need to wait so long to name the starter.

The Falcons shocked the entire NFL by drafting Penix at No. 8 overall back in 2024 when Kirk Cousins had just been signed to a four-year deal. The move may have also cost former GM Terry Fontenot his job.

Penix is 4-8 as a starter, and the organization is hoping Stefanski can unlock his true potential. Yet for now, the head coach will attempt to completely change the narrative surrounding Tagovailoa.