
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. made his first start since suffering a torn ACL in Week 11 of the 2025 season. And, in every way, Penix delivered.
The Falcons started Cooper Rush in the first two games of the season as Penix worked his way back and Tua Tagovailoa dealt with his own injury issues.
On Thursday night, Penix threw for 256 yards with a touchdown and an interception, and he helped lead Atlanta to a 35-14 blowout win over the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
Following the win, Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski had an emotional message for his quarterback after a long offseason and recovery process.
"I'm proud of him."
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) September 25, 2026
— Kevin Stefanski on Michael Penix Jr. returning from ACL injury pic.twitter.com/X54nNzdl4B
"I feel great for him," Stefanski said. "I'm proud of him...Proud of all of that; I got to witness it."
After Penix suffered a torn ACL, the Falcons took a very cautious approach. During the offseason, the former Washington Huskies QB participated in 7-on-7 drills and individual drills, but he wasn't cleared for 11-on-11 work until almost the end of August.
Penix had also insisted that he wouldn't make his return until he was "healthy," and it seemed that it worked out well for the Falcons.
Bijan Robinson and Drake London both had 194 yards apiece, with Robinson's on the ground and London's in the receiving game, so that certainly helped Penix's season debut.
If this is a sign of things to come, the Falcons might be able to make some noise in the NFC South.
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