Packers vs. Falcons Kicks Off Week 3: Green Bay Hosts Its First Game at Lambeau as Michael Penix Jr. Returns
Por Carlos Rodríguez ·
Week 3 of the 2026 NFL season kicks off this Thursday, September 24, with an exciting prime-time matchup: the Green Bay Packers vs. the Atlanta Falcons at historic Lambeau Field. The game features two teams in need of stability after a rough start to the season. Green Bay enters the game with a 1-1 record, while Atlanta is still searching for its first win with a 0-2 record.
For the Packers, it will also be their first home game of the 2026 regular season, after playing their first two games on the road. Green Bay opened the season with a 39-22 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, but bounced back in Week 2 with a hard-fought 20-17 overtime victory over the New York Jets. A 26-yard field goal by Trey Smack decided that game. Now, Jordan Love and his teammates will have the opportunity to move above .500 in front of their home crowd.
Michael Penix Jr. Returns to the Falcons
One of the main storylines of the game will be the return of Michael Penix Jr.
The Atlanta Falcons officially announced that the quarterback will start against the Green Bay Packers.
Penix suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in November 2025 and did not play in the first two games of this season.
Atlanta turned to Cooper Rush during his absence, but the team failed to get off the ground.
The Falcons arrive at Lambeau Field off the back of a lopsided 34-3 loss to the Carolina Panthers in their home opener.
Rush was replaced in the third quarter of that game by rookie Jack Strand.
Between them, the two quarterbacks threw three interceptions.
Penix’s return now presents an opportunity to revitalize an offense that needs to produce much more.
Packers Arrive with Key Absences
The Green Bay Packers won’t have their full roster available against the Atlanta Falcons either.
The NFL’s official injury report confirmed that wide receiver Jayden Reed will be out with a neck injury.
Guard Aaron Banks, offensive lineman Zach Bako-Bewele, and defensive tackle Warren Brinson have also been ruled out.
Atlanta, meanwhile, will be without defensive end Samson Ebukam due to a hamstring injury.
Cornerback Billy Bowman Jr. is listed as questionable.
[pullquote quote=”Compelling prime-time matchup” cite=”NuevaOnda.com”]
What time do the Packers vs Falcons game start?
The Packers vs Falcons game will be played this Thursday, September 24, 2026 at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin.
For fans in the United States, here are the schedules:
8:15 pm ET / 7:15 pm CT / 6:15 pm MT / 5:15 pm PT
In the United States, the Thursday Night Football game can be seen through Prime Video.
The NFL also notes the availability of home and primetime games on mobile devices via NFL+, subject to terms of service.
For more information, visit NuevaOnda.com