EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe Atlanta Falcons' frustrating quarterback picture is finally clearing up.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, according to sources.Penix has been out the first two games as he recovers from a torn ACL, and former third-string quarterback Cooper Rush will make his second straight start Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.Tua Tagovailoa, who suffered an oblique injury while preparing to start in Week 1, should also practice this upcoming week and may be active as well on Thursday against the Packers.Tagovailoa is officially listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Panthers, and his future in Atlanta has become a topic for discussion. But sources say not to expect the Falcons to move on from Tagovailoa, even if they'd have four healthy quarterbacks.While a short week is not ideal for Penix to play for the first time this season, he did split reps this past week with Rush before being declared out -- a development that was in preparation for Thursday.Penix has been impressive in practice, according to those who watched him and with his skill set, the Atlanta offense can unlock an entirely new dimension. The target for a return has always been Week 3, and Penix has a chance to hit it.The fact that there is a belief that both Penix and Tagovailoa could be back Thursday night is a sign that neither quarterback is terribly far off from returning. And if one or both cannot make it back for Thursday night at Green Bay, then each would have additional time to rest, as the Falcons next game would not be until Monday night, Oct. 5, when they play at New Orleans against the Saints.Tagovailoa joined Atlanta on a one-year veteran's minimum contract at $1.2 million and costs the Falcons next to nothing. He could find his way onto the field as a backup if there is an injury, and if all goes well, the Falcons could end up trading Tagovailoa if he plays and impresses before the NFL's Nov. 10 trade deadline.Rush completed 12 of 22 attempts for 143 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in Atlanta's season-opening loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. His ESPN QBR was 2.6, the worst mark in the league in Week 1.Undrafted rookie Jack Strand is expected to be the backup quarterback Sunday against the Panthers, according to Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski.
