Penix returns as Falcons visit short-handed Packers on Thursday night

Michael Penix Jr. will make his first start of the 2026 season when the 0-2 Falcons visit the 1-1 Packers on Thursday night. Atlanta named Penix the starter after he completed his recovery from a torn ACL suffered last November. Kickoff is 8:15 p.m. Eastern at Lambeau Field, with Prime Video carrying the game and NFL+ available for eligible mobile viewing, according to the NFL's game preview.

Atlanta's offensive question is larger than a quarterback switch. The Falcons did not reach the red zone in their first two games, the team said, and they followed an opening loss at Pittsburgh with a 34-3 defeat against Carolina. Penix will be asked to move an offense that has not given Bijan Robinson enough help. His return is a meaningful change, but the first game back does not by itself settle his timing or workload.

Robinson is the matchup Green Bay has prepared for all week. The Packers' analysis credits him with 155 rushing yards and 99 receiving yards through two games, nearly half of Atlanta's scrimmage yards. Green Bay has allowed 2.85 yards per carry in its first two games. Penix's presence could make the defense respect more of the field, but Robinson still has to find space against a front that has limited early runs.

Green Bay faces its own offensive test. The final team injury report rules out receiver Jayden Reed, guard Aaron Banks, tackle Zach Bako-Bewele and defensive tackle Warren Brinson. Javon Hargrave and Anthony Campbell are questionable, while tackle Anthony Belton has no game designation. Jordan Love's protection and receiving options will therefore look different from the opening two weeks; the inactive list will settle the questionable players closer to kickoff.

The NFL notes that Green Bay leads the league in penalties and penalty yards and ranks last in rushing yards through two games. Atlanta's challenge is to make Penix's return translate into sustained drives. Green Bay's is to keep the ball moving with a reshuffled line and fewer receivers. Those are the measurable tests tonight, before either side can claim its early-season problems are solved.