Falcons beat Packers 35-14 as Michael Penix Jr. returns from ACL injury

The Atlanta Falcons beat the Green Bay Packers 35-14 on Thursday night at Lambeau Field, earning their first win of the season, the NFL said in a post on X. [1] Both teams are 1-2, according to ESPN. [5]

Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was playing for the first time since tearing his ACL in Week 11 last November. Penix completed 18 of 25 passes for 256 yards, one touchdown and one interception, ESPN reported. [6] The interception came on the first series, and Penix went 13-of-15 in the second and third quarters. [5][6]

Running back Bijan Robinson had 29 carries for 194 yards, the NFL said. [2] Sources differ on his touchdown total. The NFL and one ESPN story reported two touchdowns, [2][6] while another ESPN story said he had 194 rushing yards "with a touchdown" and that Brian Robinson Jr. "added a touchdown, as well." [5] ESPN reported that Atlanta rushed for 244 yards as a team. [5] Wide receiver Drake London caught nine passes for a career-high 194 yards. [2][6]

The Falcons had scored 16 combined points in their first two games, a league low, according to ESPN. Tua Tagovailoa was named the Week 1 starter but hurt an oblique three days before the opener, and third-string quarterback Cooper Rush played in the first two games. [5][6] Atlanta also broke a streak of 27 straight drives to start the season without a red zone snap, ESPN reported. [5]

Falcons safety Jessie Bates III said Penix was "dying to get back." [6] Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said the game was "something you can build on," according to ESPN. [6]

Green Bay played without edge rusher Micah Parsons, who has an ACL injury, and running back Josh Jacobs, who is on the commissioner exempt list, ESPN reported. Packers quarterback Jordan Love went 28-of-52 for 312 yards, two touchdowns and one interception, and Green Bay rushed for 17 yards. [5]

Atlanta plays at the New Orleans Saints on Oct. 5. Green Bay plays at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Oct. 4. [5]