Michael Penix Jr. returned from a 10-month absence to lead the Atlanta Falcons to a 35-14 victory over the Green Bay Packers. Overcoming an early interception at Lambeau Field, the third-year quarterback completed 18 of 25 passes for 256 yards, earning praise from teammate Drake London as the definition of resiliency
while working back from a torn ACL.
Overcoming Early Rust and an Opening Interception at Lambeau Field
Thursday night marked a significant milestone for Michael Penix Jr. as he stepped back onto the field for his first start since Week 11 of the 2025 season. Coming back from the third ACL tear of his career—and his first in his left knee—the third-year quarterback faced immediate friction under the prime-time lights at Lambeau Field. His third throw of the game resulted in an interception, ending Atlanta’s opening possession and echoing a rocky start just weeks after the team turned the ball over five times against the Panthers.
That early stumble did not rattle the sideline. Running back Bijan Robinson noticed his quarterback deep in the digital playbook immediately following the turnover.
“He was deep in the tablet. So, I was like, ‘Yo, Mike, just flush it. Who cares, bruh? Just flush it.’ This has happened before when he played against the Commanders a couple years ago. He threw a pick on the first drive and started hooping. With him, I just wanted him to know that we had his back. We all are right here. He’s not alone. And that’s why he has playmakers to go take it off of him. He played exceptional after that.”
Bijan Robinson, running back via Atlanta Falcons
Offensive Adjustments and a Record-Breaking Night Under Center
Once Penix settled past his initial 1-of-5 start, he caught fire by completing 17 of his final 20 throws. The offensive game plan orchestrated by coordinator Tommy Rees played a direct role in steadying the rhythm, utilizing screen passes and frequent snaps from under center to help the quarterback find his footing.
According to Next Gen Stats, Penix took 35 snaps from under center against Green Bay—surpassing his previous career high of eight snaps in a single contest. Ground support from Robinson and fellow running back BRob kept the Packers’ defense honest.
“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. What they did had a lot to do with it.”
Michael Penix Jr., quarterback via Atlanta Falcons
The offensive surge carried the Falcons to season-high marks in total yards with 498, passing yards, and 35 points in an impressive 35-14 win over the Green Bay Packers that secured the team’s first victory of the season.
Medical Hard Work and Historical Precedent for Multiple ACL Recoveries
The road back to starting form required extensive rehabilitation away from the public eye. Stefanski credited both the player’s relentless drive and the organization’s training staff for the successful return.
“I feel great for him, and I’ve told him this in person and I’ve told you guys, I’m proud of him,” Stefanski said after the game. “It’s not easy to rehab from injuries. It’s a tough thing to do, what he’s put himself through – the extra workouts in the weight room, the extra treatments in the training room, all those times that he’s out in the field (and) was running when no one was watching. That’s just him and the trainers. I give the medical staff a ton of credit. (I’m) proud of all of that. I got to witness it and tonight is something you can build on.”
Stefanski via Atlanta Falcons
Penix now joins rare company in overcoming a history of major knee surgeries. It was noted that while former Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis Sr. famously returned to play nine additional seasons after tearing the same ACL in three consecutive years from 2009 to 2011, there isn’t a long history of NFL players returning and having success after having at least three ACL tears.
Next Steps in a Wide-Open NFC South
As a first-round draft pick entering eligibility for a contract extension at the conclusion of this season, Penix's health is a critical factor for the Atlanta front office looking toward future roster construction.
The team turns its attention toward a marquee divisional matchup against the New Orleans Saints at the Caesars Superdome on Monday Night Football.
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