The Atlanta Falcons were without their top two quarterbacks, Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa, for their Week 1 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Will either quarterback be available for the Falcons in Week 2? At least one is taking positive steps as Atlanta prepares to host the Carolina Panthers for its home opener, as Penix was once again a full participant at the Falcons' practice on Thursday, Sept. 17.
Penix has been a full participant at each of the Falcons' official practice sessions to date in 2026 as he seeks to return from a torn ACL he suffered against the Panthers in Week 11 of the 2025 season.
That may be an encouraging sign for Penix, but does it mean his return to the field will be imminent? Or will the Falcons once again start
third-stringer Cooper Rush to give the 2024 first-round pick more time to work back to full strength?
Here's what to know about Penix's status ahead of the Falcons' Week 2 game against the Panthers.
Michael Penix Jr. injury update
Penix officially logged full participation at Falcons practice on Thursday, according to their official injury report.
While that was similar to what Penix did in Week 1, Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski revealed in a Thursday interview with 92.9 The Game that there was a "progression" in how they were treating the 26-year-old quarterback entering Week 2.
"We ruled Mike out early last week, "Stefanski explained. "We didn't rule Mike out this week."
However, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Friday that Penix has been ruled out.
"We're continuing to practice and progress and do different things, but I wouldn't read much into anything other that we'll be really smart about this," Stefanski said a day earlier. "Mike and I talk every day. I talk to the medical staff every day. We all are on the same page and we'll continue to be on the same page."
Is Michael Penix Jr. playing Week 2?
Stefanski said Wednesday he would "know more" about his decision after Thursday's session. That decision was to sit Penix another week.
The expectation now is Stefanski will again turn to Rush, the team's veteran third-string quarterback, but undrafted rookie Jack Strand is also available. Tagovailoa has been unable to practice because of his back injury, suggesting he may not yet be ready to return to the field.
Falcons QB depth chart
Below is a look at the Falcons' quarterback depth chart as they continue to deal with injuries among their top players at the position.
- Tua Tagovailoa (injured)
- Michael Penix Jr. (injured)
- Cooper Rush
- Jack Strand
Tagovailoa and Penix competed for the Falcons' starting job during training camp, with the former winning by default after Penix couldn't play in the preseason. But now, because of Tagovailoa's injury, Penix will likely be given a chance to stake his claim to the starting job, whether he returns in Week 3 or later.
Rush started for the Falcons in Week 1 against the Steelers. The 32-year-old struggled, completing 12 of 22 passes for 143 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions while being sacked four times in Atlanta's 20-13 loss to Pittsburgh.
Strand is an undrafted rookie from Minnesota State – Moorhead who performed well in the preseason but has never played a regular-season snap.
This story has been updated.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Michael Penix Jr. injury update as Falcons QB practices ahead of Week 2
