# Penix Jr. Ready for Game Amid QB Strain

> Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. says he's close to playing after ACL injury, with backup Cooper Rush struggling in Week 1 loss.
- Title: Penix Jr. Ready for Game Amid QB Strain · Newsweek | Shortify
- Summary: Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. says he's close to playing after ACL injury, with backup Cooper Rush struggling in Week 1 loss. Penix Jr. is expected to start…
- Keywords: michael penix jr, atlanta falcons, cooper rush, tua tagovailoa, nfl, acl injury, pittsburgh steelers, carolina panthers, Penix, Ready, Game, Strain
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/sports/nfl/michael-penix-jr-says-hes-close-to-playing-amid-falcons-qbs-injury-concerns-12452481
- Author: Victor Barbosa
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: michael penix jr, atlanta falcons, cooper rush, tua tagovailoa, nfl, acl injury, pittsburgh steelers, carolina panthers
## QB Injury Update
Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. recovered from a partial ACL tear last season and is now ready to play.

> I'm close to playing
## Week 1 Struggles
Cooper Rush struggled in the Falcons' 20-13 loss to Pittsburgh with 12-of-22 passing and four sacks.
## Backup Plan
Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski hasn't named a starter for Week 2 against Carolina yet.
## Injury History
Penix Jr. played five games last season with three starts before his ACL injury in Week 11.
## QB Depth
Tua Tagovailoa, signed with Atlanta in July, is recovering from an oblique injury and didn't practice Wednesday.
## Key takeaway

Penix Jr. is expected to start soon after recovering from partial ACL tear.