Michael Penix Jr. Sits Out Falcons Opener After Just 6 Full Practices Post-Knee Surgery
Updated
Updated · AtlantaFalcons.com · Sep 7
Michael Penix Jr. Sits Out Falcons Opener After Just 6 Full Practices Post-Knee Surgery
3 articles · Updated · AtlantaFalcons.com · Sep 7
Summary
Michael Penix Jr. said he is "really close" to full strength but will be inactive for Atlanta's season opener, ruling himself out until he trusts his knee completely.
Aug. 22 was the first day Penix was cleared for full 11-on-11 work, giving him only six full-team practices after last season's knee surgery and no preseason game action.
Kevin Stefanski said that limited body of work helped shape the Week 1 quarterback call, with Tua Tagovailoa starting against Pittsburgh and Cooper Rush serving as the primary backup.
Penix, who has undergone three knee surgeries, said he returned too early from a similar injury earlier in his career and does not want to risk hurting the team by doing that again.
Atlanta has not set a public timetable for his debut, leaving his return tied to daily soreness and recovery rather than a fixed date.