Falcons Elevate Bralen Trice as Penix Returns for Thursday Night Football

The Atlanta Falcons (0-2) are adding another piece to their defense as they prepare for a prime-time matchup against the Green Bay Packers (1-1).

Atlanta has elevated linebacker Bralen Trice from the practice squad to the active roster as a standard practice squad elevation, making him available for Thursday night’s game at Lambeau Field.

Trice’s elevation provides additional depth for the Falcons’ defense as Atlanta looks to rebound from a difficult 0-2 start to the season.

But the biggest reinforcement comes on the other side of the football.

Michael Penix Jr. is back! Penix is active and set to make his 2026 season debut as Atlanta’s starting quarterback Thursday night. The former first-round pick has worked his way back from the left knee injury that ended his 2025 season.

Penix was a full participant in practice this week, clearing another important hurdle in his return. Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed earlier in the week that Penix would get the start against Green Bay.

His return comes at a critical point for a Falcons offense searching for a spark.

Atlanta enters Thursday night 0-2 following losses to Pittsburgh and Carolina. The Falcons have scored just 16 points through their first two games, making Penix’s return one of the biggest storylines heading into Week 3.

Now, after months of rehabilitation, Penix gets the opportunity to take control of the offense again — and he’ll do it under the lights at Lambeau Field.

For Trice, Thursday represents another opportunity to contribute after Atlanta also elevated him for the season opener against Pittsburgh.

With Trice available defensively and Penix returning under center, the Falcons head into Green Bay looking to turn the page on their first two weeks and pick up their first victory of the season. Kickoff at 8:15 p.m. ET.