Falcons are making a quarterback change ahead of Week 3

The Atlanta Falcons have announced that Michael Penix Jr. will be their new starting quarterback starting with Thursday's Week 3 game against the Green Bay Packers. Penix, a 26-year-old former first-round pick, is returning to action after suffering a partial ACL tear in November 2025. Prior to his injury, Penix recorded 1,982 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions over nine games.

The quarterback change follows a difficult 0-2 start for Atlanta under veteran quarterback Rush, who threw for 229 yards, one touchdown, and four interceptions. Rush was benched for rookie Jack Strand during a 34-3 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, fellow quarterback Tua Tagovailoa remains sidelined with an oblique injury and has yet to make his debut for the team.