The Atlanta Falcons will face the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football with Michael Penix Jr. making his first start of the 2026 season. The decision comes after Atlanta opened the year 0-2, with Cooper Rush starting the first two games while Penix recovered from a knee injury and Tua Tagovailoa dealt with an oblique injury. Penix has now been cleared to return and was named the starter Monday.
That means Tagovailoa, who was originally expected to start the season opener, will not get the starting nod at Lambeau Field. The veteran quarterback had been available in practice all week after missing Atlanta’s first two games. However, coach Kevin Stefanski indicated Wednesday that Tagovailoa was going to settle for a QB2 role.
Why is Tua Tagovailoa Not Starting for the Falcons vs. Packers?
Rich Storry-Imagn Images
Tagovailoa is not starting because the Falcons have decided to return to Penix as their QB1 now that he is healthy enough to play.
Penix suffered a season-ending knee injury last November and had not appeared in a game since. He returned to full practice participation before Week 3.
Tagovailoa’s absence from the opening two games was strictly injury-related. He suffered an oblique injury during practice shortly before the season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers, forcing Atlanta to turn to Rush. Tagovailoa was subsequently inactive for Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers as he continued his recovery.
The former Miami Dolphins quarterback has since progressed enough to return to the active roster. Atlanta’s final injury report lists him without a game designation, meaning he is available to play against Green Bay.
Tua Tagovailoa Available Off the Bench if Needed
Stefanski confirmed the direction of the quarterback situation Wednesday, telling reporters that Tagovailoa was “trending in the right direction” to serve as Penix’s backup (h/t ESPN’s Marc Raimondi). Tagovailoa had been the expected Week 1 starter after signing with Atlanta in the offseason, but his injury opened the door for Rush while Penix completed his rehabilitation.
The Falcons now have both quarterbacks available for the first time this season. Atlanta needs a response after losing its first two games by a combined 54-16, including a 34-3 loss to Carolina in Week 2. Rush threw four interceptions across those two starts before being replaced by undrafted rookie Jack Strand against the Panthers.
Thursday night is Tagovailoa’s first chance to dress for Atlanta this season, but he will begin the game on the sideline. But if, for any reason, Penix cannot finish the game, Tagovailoa is available to step in at Lambeau Field.
ALSO SEE:
- Minnesota Vikings Still Have a Big Question at Quarterback with Starter Kyler Murray Returning to Lineup
- Poll: Should Giants Roll With Jameis Winston?
- Week 3 NFL Expert Picks, Predictions Against the Spread
- Fantasy Football Week 3 Quarterback Rankings: Which QB Should You Start?
