Overview
- On Monday, coach Kevin Stefanski said he has a “decent idea” who will start Thursday but will give an update after talking with the players and finishing team meetings.
- Multiple outlets report Michael Penix Jr. is trending toward a return and could be available for the Green Bay game, but Stefanski would not confirm those reports.
- Tua Tagovailoa’s oblique injury is improving and his status remains uncertain as the staff evaluates short‑term readiness.
- Cooper Rush was benched after poor play and rookie Jack Strand threw a pick‑six, leaving Atlanta 0‑2 with no offensive touchdown since Week 1 and virtually no red‑zone work early in the season.
- The staff’s caution reflects Penix’s three prior torn ACLs and his late‑August medical clearance, forcing the team to balance a near‑term push for wins against the quarterback’s long‑term health.