When will Michael Penix be ready to start? That’s the question that’s been on everyone’s minds since at least Day 1 of this year’s training camp. According to reports from national insiders, that day may be coming up very soon.
According to Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport, Penix is ‘nearing a return’ and could take over as Atlanta’s starting quarterback as early as this Thursday night against the Packers in Lambeau.
What’s that mean for the future of Tua Tagovailoa? For now, he’ll stay on the roster, according to Rapoport.
I didn’t think Penix was genuinely an option for this week, regardless of what Stefanski said Wednesday about all quarterbacks being on the table to start this week. I don’t see a world where Penix starts on a Sunday and takes his first full-speed contact just four days before the next game. It’s just not smart. Starting in Week 3 and having a week and a half to rest up and prepare for the Saints in Week 4 on Monday Night Football is the smart play if Penix really is ready to go.
People may be surprised by the reporting around Tua and the team’s plans to retain him for now, at least. The quarterback room has pretty good vibes with its current construction (even though it’s still wild to me that they’re carrying four quarterbacks on the active roster), and with both Penix and Tua’s injury histories, having enough backup is a must.
I’ll feel sorry about it after he got trotted out there against the Steelers last week with a bad back, but if the Falcons get to a point where they feel comfortable with Penix’s health and availability I could see them moving on from Cooper Rush. The team seems high on Jack Strand’s potential, which … same. I don’t think they can stash him on the practice squad and realistically expect to keep him.
This quarterback saga has been quite the ride, and I’m ready for this ride to be over. Here’s hoping Penix is able to take over as the starter for Week 3 and that he stays healthy through the season.
