Michael Penix Jr. returns as Falcons face Packers on Thursday night

Michael Penix Jr. will start for the Atlanta Falcons in their Thursday Night Football game against the Green Bay Packers. He returns after recovering from a torn ACL, replacing Cooper Rush, who struggled during the first two games. The Falcons seek to improve from their 0-2 start and a poor showing in their last game against the Carolina Panthers, where they failed to achieve any red zone trips. Penix Jr. faces high expectations to revitalize the Atlanta offense, with key players like Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts, and Drake London relying on him for targets. Tua Tagovailoa is on standby as backup if needed during the game.

• 3:09 PMYahoo Sports — Will return of Michael Penix Jr. be enough to ignite the Falcons?