Penix gets the nod for Thursday

Michael Penix Jr. will start for the Falcons against the Packers on Thursday night after recovering from an ACL tear suffered in Week 11 last season.

Long road back from surgery

Penix underwent surgery last November and spent months in limited practice before being cleared for full 11-on-11 work during the final week of preseason.

Penix chose caution over rushing

Before Week 1, Penix told coach Kevin Stefanski he wasn't ready, saying he wanted to avoid repeating past mistakes of returning too quickly from knee injuries.

“I want to make sure whenever I am out there, I'm 100%, and there's no doubt in my mind that I trust my knee.”

Coordinator sees sharp progression

Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees praised Penix's movement, arm talent, and quick decision-making during recent practices.

“He looks sharp, moving well. I think he has confidence in it.”

Strong stats before the injury

Last season, Penix threw 9 touchdowns and 3 interceptions in 9 starts and led the NFL with a 1.1% interception rate on pass attempts.

Falcons need offensive spark

Atlanta lost its first two games with Cooper Rush at quarterback and is the only NFL offense that hasn't reached the red zone yet this season.