Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. could start Thursday's game against the Green Bay Packers, sources told ESPN's Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter.
Penix will miss his second straight game Sunday as he continues to recover from tearing his ACL in November 2025. He's been listed as a full participant in practices but has been ruled out ahead of each contest.
The passer wouldn't share what goals he's aiming to reach before returning to the field.
"I'm going to keep those to myself and the training staff, but I'm close," Penix said Friday, per team reporter Will McFadden.
Cooper Rush will start Sunday against the Carolina Panthers with Penix and Tua Tagovailoa sidelined. Rush completed 12 of 22 passes for 143 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in the Falcons' 20-13 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rookie Jack Strand will serve as Rush's backup.
Tagovailoa is expected to practice this week and could be available against the Packers as he rehabs an oblique injury, though he remains doubtful for Sunday's game.
The Falcons are not expected to move on from Tagovailoa even if they have four healthy quarterbacks, sources told Rapoport and Schefter. The 2023 Pro Bowler signed a one-year, $1.2-million contract with Atlanta in March after the Dolphins released him.
