The Atlanta Falcons finally have an answer at quarterback for Sunday's matchup with the Carolina Panthers. It just isn't the answer Bijan Robinson was hoping for.
Michael Penix Jr. has officially been ruled out with his knee injury, while Cooper Rush will make his second consecutive start for Atlanta. Undrafted rookie Jack Strand will serve as his backup while Tua Tagovailoa is doubtful.
That decision comes just days after Robinson made it clear how badly he wanted to see Penix back on the field.
“I know we’re ready to see Mike,” Robinson told ESPN’s Marc Raimondi. “I know Mike is ready for himself. Forget what we think. He wants to play football.”
Robinson's comments came while Atlanta was still weighing all of its quarterback options. Now, the decision has been made. Penix will have to wait at least another week for his 2026 debut.
Bijan Robinson has seen enough to still believe in Michael Penix Jr.
With Tua Tagovailoa sidelined by an oblique injury, Rush started in Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers - He completed 12 of 22 passes for 143 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in Atlanta's 20-13 loss.
Bijan Robinson was the offense's biggest weapon as finished with 29 touches, including eight receptions for 90 yards and a touchdown, while receiving 10 targets from Rush…
That usage showed how heavily the Falcons leaned on Robinson when the quarterback situation fell apart. It also makes his endorsement of Michael Penix Jr. more interesting.
Robinson isn't simply asking for a change because he wants more opportunities. He's already getting plenty of time with the football. His comments were about Penix wanting to return and play football after spending months recovering from a significant knee injury.
“I know he wants to get out there & play because it's been a long time,” Robinson said, according to reporting from Matt Urben.
That is the part that stands out. Penix has already acknowledged that he wants to play, but Atlanta has been careful with his recovery. The quarterback said Wednesday that he is “closer” than he was the previous week, while Stefanski maintained that the team will continue evaluating him day by day.
For all the talk surrounding Penix, Atlanta now has a much simpler decision. Rush is the guy for now.
The Falcons--and Penix clearly believe he isn't ready yet. Even though he has been practicing and continues to progress, Atlanta isn't going to rush him back just because the offense could use him.
So Robinson will have to keep doing what he did in Pittsburgh… Carry the offense.
Atlanta has plenty of weapons around Rush, including Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts. But after Robinson made it clear that the team is ready to see Penix return, he'll now have to wait along with everyone else.
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