Falcons say quarterback Michael Penix not yet cleared for game action
Quarterback Michael Penix remains sidelined as he recovers from a third ACL reconstruction, with the Atlanta Falcons indicating he will return only when he feels fully confident.
Atlanta Falcons officials indicated that quarterback Michael Penix is still not ready to participate in live games as he continues his rehabilitation from a third ACL reconstruction suffered in 2025. ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowlers said Penix wants to be completely confident before returning, and the team is allowing him to set his own comfort level for the comeback.
"It takes a lot of mental work to convince yourself it’s OK to go back out there and play," ESPN analyst Dan Graziano added, noting that the Falcons are expected to give Penix additional time if needed and anticipate his eventual return later in the season.
In the meantime, the Falcons' starting quarterback position remains uncertain. If starter Tua Tagovailoa, who is dealing with an oblique strain, cannot play, backup Cooper Rush could start for the next game or two. Rush posted the lowest drop-back EPA among quarterbacks in Week 1, a statistic that may affect his fantasy football valuation.