Michael Penix Jr. returned to the Atlanta Falcons’ starting lineup, overcoming a rocky opening to lead his team to a 35-14 victory over the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Penix completed 18 of 25 passes for 256 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Thursday night marked a major milestone for the third-year quarterback. Making his first start since Week 11 of the 2025 season, Penix played through the aftermath of his third career ACL tear, having previously injured his right knee twice during his college career and his left knee last year. Wide receiver Drake London praised the quarterback’s perseverance after the win, telling reporters that Penix serves as the exact definition of resiliency
following months of grueling rehabilitation.
Overcoming Early Struggles Under Lambeau Lights
The evening did not begin smoothly for the Falcons’ offense. Following a Week 2 performance against the Panthers where the team committed five turnovers, Penix opened the game connecting on just one of his first five passing attempts. His third throw resulted in an interception on Atlanta’s opening possession, handing Green Bay early momentum in hostile territory.
Running back Bijan Robinson noticed his quarterback isolating himself with a digital display on the sideline immediately after the turnover.
Robinson walked over to keep his teammate focused on the present. Yo, Mike, just flush it. Who cares, bruh? Just flush it,
Robinson told him on the sideline, reminding him of a similar bounce-back performance against the Commanders a couple years ago. With him, I just wanted him to know that we had his back. We all are right here. He’s not alone.
Penix and the Ground Attack Dismantle Packers Defense
The reassurance worked. Once Penix found his footing, he systematically picked apart the Green Bay secondary. After his 1-of-5 start, he completed 17 of his final 20 throws, accumulating 239 yards and a touchdown through the air.
Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees leaned heavily on quick rhythm throws and screen passes early on to settle his quarterback into live-game action. At the same time, the running game spearheaded by Robinson and BRob forced the Packers to respect the ground attack, opening up downfield opportunities.
I started getting into a rhythm and everything started clicking with Bijan and BRob, them boys running the ball, that helped everything in the pass game as well.
Michael Penix Jr., via Atlanta Falcons
The offensive explosion powered the Falcons to season highs in total points, passing yards, and total yards with 498. According to tracking data from Next Gen Stats, Rees frequently deployed Penix from under center, where the quarterback logged 35 snaps—a single-game career high that vastly eclipsed his previous personal best of eight snaps from under center.
Rehabilitation Praise and the Road Ahead in the NFC South
Stefanski credited the medical staff and Penix’s tireless work ethic behind closed doors for making Thursday’s performance possible. The grueling months of extra weight room sessions, training room treatments, and isolated conditioning drills ultimately paid off under prime-time lights.
Stefanski emphasized that recovering from a knee reconstruction is an exhausting physical and mental hurdle, pointing to the solitary workouts when no one was watching as the foundation of his return. Returning successfully from three separate ACL injuries draws parallels to former linebacker Thomas Davis Sr., who famously rebounded from three consecutive torn ACLs from 2009 to 2011 to play another nine seasons.
With their first win of the season secured, the Falcons turn their attention toward tightening their grip on the NFC South. Penix, who enters consideration for a contract extension at the conclusion of the season as a former first-round pick, aims to maintain his momentum as Atlanta prepares for a marquee Monday night divisional clash against the New Orleans Saints at the Caesars Superdome.
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