Falcons’ Penix Returns to Full Practice After Torn ACL, Ruled Out for Week 1

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix participated in full practice Wednesday. He won't play this week against the Steelers, though. The team ruled him out for the season opener as he works his way back from a torn ACL he suffered last year.

Penix appeared as a full participant on the squad's first practice report of the 2026 season, per NBC Sports. He rejoined full team drills in late August after months spent rehabbing the injured knee.

The quarterback called himself "really close" to being 100 percent recovered earlier this week. He does not want to play until "there's no doubt in my mind that I trust my knee."

Tua Tagovailoa will start against Pittsburgh. Cooper Rush serves as the backup quarterback. Tagovailoa is expected to remain Atlanta's starter for weeks to come.

Getting back to full practice marks progress in Penix's comeback from the knee injury. His participation Wednesday shows he's nearing a return to the field, though exactly when remains unclear.

Several other Falcons appeared on the injury report with limited participation. Wide receiver Zachariah Branch is dealing with a hamstring issue, while offensive lineman Kyle Hinton has a knee problem.

Cornerback Billy Bowman has an Achilles injury that limited him in practice. Defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus is managing a groin issue. Defensive end Za'Darius Smith is working through a shoulder problem.

Atlanta hasn't announced a timeline for when Penix might be cleared to return to game action, leaving fans and coaches waiting to see when the young quarterback will take the field again.