Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. will not play in Week 1 despite practicing

Cooper Rush is a starting quarterback in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. That certainly wasn’t the plan for the Atlanta Falcons, who didn’t even sign Rush until July 29. But on Sunday in Pittsburgh, it’ll be Rush leading the Falcons onto the field against the Steelers.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. does not appear likely to need too long before he is able to make his 2026 debut. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport

QB tells coach Kevin Stefanski, ‘I’m not where I want to be right now, and I want to be 100% so I can help this team win football games.’

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports Michael Penix "did not believe that he was ready" to play in Week 1 against the Steelers.

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus will have multiple roles against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

Coach Kevin Stefanski didn’t put a timeframe on when Mike Penix Jr. may be ready to play, but he's optimistic about the path Penix is currently on.

The Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 1 opponents, the Atlanta Falcons, executed a flurry of roster moves before Sunday's matchup.