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“I’m Not Smiling”: Falcons’ Kyle Pitts Responds to Viral Clip of Him Holding Back Laughter After Michael Penix Jr.’s Return

Michael Penix Jr. is finally returning for the Atlanta Falcons, a development fans had been waiting the entire offseason for. It is an upgrade for the team, which had to turn to backup quarterback Cooper Rush for the past two…

By Krushna Prasad Pattnaik · Essentially Sports

Published: Wednesday, 23 September 2026 at 3:59 AM

Key Things to Know

Kyle Pitts clarified that a viral smirk during an interview was not directed at quarterback Cooper Rush.
Michael Penix Jr. is set to return as the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons.
Cooper Rush struggled in two starts, throwing four interceptions and one touchdown before being benched.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts addressed a viral video where he appeared to smirk while discussing quarterback Michael Penix Jr.'s return. On his Instagram Story, Pitts denied being dismissive toward backup quarterback Cooper Rush, explaining that someone off-camera caused him to react. He defended Rush's efforts and urged fans to stop taking the moment out of proportion.

Penix is returning to the starting role after completing rehabilitation for an ACL injury. Rush struggled across two starts while subbing for injured quarterbacks, recording 229 passing yards, one touchdown, and four interceptions. The Falcons lost both contests, including a 34-3 loss against the Carolina Panthers where rookie Jack Strand also played.

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