NFL insiders reveal Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr.'s likely return date

The Atlanta Falcons ruled out Michael Penix Jr. for today's game against the Carolina Panthers, but it sounds like the third-year quarterback is actually close to returning. According to an ESPN report, Penix is expected to return next week against the Packers. "Michael Penix Jr., the Falcons' prefe

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What is the story about?

The Atlanta Falcons ruled out Michael Penix Jr. for today's game against the Carolina Panthers, but it sounds like the third-year quarterback is actually close to returning. According to an ESPN report, Penix is expected to return next week against the Packers.

"Michael Penix Jr., the Falcons' preferred starter, is nearing a return and could make his 2026 debut on Thursday night against the Green Bay Packers

," reported Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter.

Penix was cleared to return in the final week of August but wanted to make sure his knee was good to go after his third career ACL reconstruction.

Over his first two NFL seasons, Penix has passed for 2,757 yards, 12 touchdowns and 6 interceptions in 14 career games (12 starts). While Penix had an up-and-down

year in 2025, he was playing great against the eventual NFC South-champion Carolina Panthers in Week 11 before tearing his ACL.

Now, over six months later, it appears we will finally see Penix back on the field. The former top-10 pick has played well in other prime-time games, beating the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills in 2025 alone.

We'll see if head coach Kevin Stefanski confirms the ESPN report after today's game against the Panthers.

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: NFL insiders reveal Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr.'s likely return date