Michael Penix Jr. might not hit the field for the Atlanta Falcons until Week 4, a tough blow for a team already reeling from a rough offensive start to the season. After a brutal Week 1 showing where Cooper Rush played poorly, Falcons fans are absolutely clamoring for a change, but it looks like they’ll have to wait a bit longer for their first-round signal-caller to make his debut.
Penix’s Return Gets Pushed Back
Right now, it’s looking like both Tua Tagovailoa, battling an oblique injury, and Penix, who is recovering from another ACL injury, are out for Week 2. But the real kicker is what ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported: Penix might not even suit up until Week 4. That means Atlanta could be dealing with a shaky quarterback situation for a few more weeks, and honestly, who wants that when you’re trying to find your footing early in the season?
The good news, if you can call it that, is Penix is getting closer to a return for the Falcons’ Week 2 matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. He’s listed as in question for that start, which means he’s making progress. But even with that positive step, the schedule has thrown a huge wrench into his potential Week 3 debut, and it’s a frustrating situation for any team trying to get their guys back on the field healthy.
Thursday Night Football Creates A Nightmare Scenario
The schedule really is the main villain here, creating another wrinkle that’s making this whole situation even more complicated. Fowler explicitly stated that Atlanta’s Week 3 game is on Thursday night, a quick turnaround that might prevent Penix from getting reacclimated even if he’s close to being ready. Nobody wants to rush a guy back, especially after an ACL injury, and a short week just screams “bad idea.”
On September 24, the Falcons are set to face the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football in Green Bay. If Penix is indeed out for Week 2, which is looking like a strong possibility, then asking him to get up to speed with the offense on such a short week for a Week 3 start is just too much. There’s plenty of season left, and it makes all the sense in the world for the Falcons to play it safe. If it were a normal Sunday start, Penix might be more in play. But given the short week, Fowler believes the Falcons will postpone his return until at least Week 4 when they take on the New Orleans Saints. It’s frustrating, sure, but it’s the smart move for the long haul.
So, while we all want to see Penix out there, patience might be the name of the game. The Falcons will be looking to get things right offensively in Week 2 against the Panthers, and then prepare for that tough Thursday night game. If all goes as predicted, Week 4 against the Saints could be the moment we finally see the rookie take the field. Let’s hope for a speedy, safe recovery and a strong debut when he finally gets there.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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