Falcons to start QB Michael Penix Week 3

Sep 21, 2026

The Falcons’ quarterback carousel has finally landed on their first-round draft pick from 2024.

The team has announced that Michael Penix Jr. will start in Thursday night’s game against the Packers at Lambeau Field.

Related players: Cooper Rush, Jack Strand, Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Kyle Pitts

Fantasy Impact:

As the story points out, one has to wonder why Penix couldn't have played in Week 2. But instead, the team went with Cooper Rush and the result was a thrashing by the Panthers. It remains to be seen if Penix is fully ready to go coming back from his ACL injury, or if this is more of a desperation move. Penix should provide a fantasy upgrade for the Falcon skill players, perhaps especially London who was visibly upset on the sidelines. Penix, himself, is probably a risky start outside of being a second QB or in deeper superflex leagues.

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Steelers not sure if Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) will play in Week 3

Nick Farabaugh on X

15 minutes ago

McCarthy says he's unsure if Michael Pittman (foot) will be able to suit up against the Bengals.

Related players: DK Metcalf, Roman Wilson, Germie Bernard

Fantasy Impact:

McCarthy added, according to the post, that Pittman Jr.'s foot injury is not the injury he suffered during training camp. The coach added Pittman has taken some positive steps forward. Hopefully we'll know more with injury reports this week, but it doesn't sound too optimistic that Pittman will be ready to go. Metcalf, Wilson and Bernard could run as the team's top-three WRs.

Packers WR Jayden Reed (neck, back) still in NJ

Pro Football Talk

20 minutes ago

Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed remains in New Jersey after being taken to a hospital following an injury in Sunday’s overtime win over the Jets.

Related players: Christian Watson, Matthew Golden, Skyy Moore

Fantasy Impact:

Reed was placed on a backboard and carted off the field on the second play of the game after catching a four-yard pass from Jordan Love and taking a big hit from Jets linebacker Demario Davis. Reed was ruled out with what the team called a neck injury and head coach Matt LaFleur said after the game that Reed had movement in all of his extremities, the story went on to say. The story added that Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that doctors determined Reed suffered a back injury and he is expected to return to Green Bay soon. The wideout and medical personnel are still evaluating the best course of treatment moving forward.

Seahawks QB Sam Darnold (glute) will return to practice

Gregg Bell on X

1 hour ago

Mike Macdonald says on his day-after coach's radio show on Seattle Sports Sam Darnold has a chance to practice this week, I'm hearing he's on track to practice Wednesday.

Fantasy Impact:

A return to practice that early in the week gives Darnold a shot at playing in Week 3. We'll likely have to wait until Wednesday and the rest of the week to see how much Darnold is doing to have a better idea of his status for Week 3. The Seahawks are at the Commanders in the early slate of games.