Bijan Robinson knows that the Atlanta Falcons could use Michael Penix Jr. back at the quarterback position.
The Falcons’ superstar running back was the lone bright spot to the Atlanta offense in a Week 1 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, a game in which Cooper Rush started for the Falcons because Tua Tagovailoa and Penix were both out with injury.
Robinson had 29 touches, which is certainly something he’s happy with, but he can’t be happy with a 20-13 loss.
Of those 29 touches, Robinson had eight catches for 90 yards and a touchdown. He was targeted 10 times out of Rush’s 22 pass attempts.
But what becomes clear as Robinson speaks about Penix is that he isn’t just concerned about his own numbers. The Falcons’ offensive dynamo simply wants his team to win.
Bijan Robinson on Michael Penix Jr.
Robinson spoke to reporters on Wednesday, and ESPN’s Marc Raimondi shared what Robinson had to say about Penix.
“I know we’re ready to see Mike,” Raimondi paraphrased from Robinson. “I know Mike is ready for himself. Forget what we think. He wants to play football.”
Bijan: I know we’re ready to see Mike. I know Mike is ready for himself. Forget what we think. He wants to play football. #Falcons
— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) September 16, 2026
It’s an interesting vibe put out by Robinson given that the Falcons are still working through a messy QB situation that includes the aforementioned Rush and Tagovailoa in addition to Penix.
It’s gotta be fascinating for the undrafted rookie QB Jack Strand, from the Division II level, to watch all of this. NFL teams certainly don’t want this much uncertainty at quarterback.
Robinson certainly recognizes that. For the Falcons to reach their peak, they need the best QB possible. As far as current talent, Penix is probably that dude.
So Why Isn’t Michael Penix Playing?
The problem is that Penix is still being allowed time to recover from his 2025 season-ending knee injury.
It was the third torn ACL that Penix has had since starting his college career, so Atlanta isn’t taking any chances.
He’s been cleared to play and has been practicing, but the Falcons went with the cautious approach and held him out of Week 1. It’s seeming like they might do the same in Week 2, too.
The Falcons do turn around quickly to a Thursday night game in Week 3 against the Packers, so maybe the Falcons will save Penix’s return for that game.
Regardless, it’s clear Bijan will be excited whenever Penix finally gets to play again.
In the meantime, it’ll be up to Robinson to make plays even in a less-than-optimal offense, because no matter who is at QB, he’s Atlanta’s best chance to put points on the board.
Bijan Robinson Makes Strong Statement on Michael Penix Return for Falcons