Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is set to make his 2026 debut on Thursday during a prime-time matchup against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The contest marks Penix’s first game back since he tore his left ACL last November. During the first two contests of the season, the Atlanta Falcons started journeyman Cooper Rush, averaging a league-low eight points and failing to reach the red zone. Penix was cleared for full participation in practice about a month prior to his return.
The eighth overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft compiled a 4-8 record as a starter across his first two seasons, completing less than 60 percent of his passes and throwing for under 200 yards per game. Atlanta’s new leadership faces a decision this coming spring on whether to exercise the fifth-year option on his rookie deal. The Falcons enter the game with offensive weapons including running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London, and tight end Kyle Pitts. Through the first two weeks, Atlanta’s wide receivers and tight ends combined for 17 catches, 173 receiving yards, and zero touchdowns—the lowest totals among all league units.
Green Bay Confronts Offensive Line Adjustments
As the Green Bay Packers prepare to host the prime-time game airing on Prime Video, significant injury concerns surround their offensive line. Starting guard Aaron Banks is sidelined due to knee and toe injuries, while tackle Zach Bako-Bewele has been ruled out with a knee injury. The Packers also listed receiver Jayden Reed and defensive tackle Warren Brinson as out on their final injury report.
During the previous game against the Jets, Banks exited in the second quarter and Donovan Jennings initially replaced him before also leaving with a hand injury. Jennings carries no game-status designation for Thursday, making him available. Anthony Belton stepped in for Bako-Bewele against New York and dealt with an elbow injury this week, but Green Bay upgraded him to full participation and assigned no game designation. Meanwhile, Green Bay defensive tackles Javon Hargrave, listed with knee and concussion issues, and Anthony Campbell, dealing with an ankle injury, are listed as questionable for the matchup.
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