As Thursday approaches, Kevin Stefanski didn’t let us know a lot about who could be under center for the Falcons’ Week 2 matchup against the Panthers, saying any of the four quarterbacks on the roster could start — even undrafted rookie Jack Strand.

That will make a lot of the fan base more hopeful after what happened this past weekend against Pittsburgh, but the best possible scenario remains Michael Penix Jr. returning to the field. He’s been cleared to play, but in response to those questioning his decision not to suit up, he reminded everybody on Wednesday that it’s ultimately his decision.

Penix is right, and there must be some level of understanding when it comes to his injury history. This is a player who has suffered five season-ending injuries dating back to his college days, including three different ACL surgeries. It’s natural for a mental barrier to exist.

However, that’s not going to go over well with a restless fan base that has watched the Falcons miss the playoffs every season since 2017, and it’s also more than fair to question how sitting out is going to help him get over this mental barrier. It’s not as if he’s getting hit in practice. Penix isn’t going to really feel comfortable with the knee until bullets are flying and he takes that first hit, which is only going to happen in a game setting.

The fan base seems to be split in two on this issue. Some are okay with Penix taking as much time as possible to feel 100% comfortable until he plays. Others wonder how he can continue to sit on the sidelines while cleared after watching the disaster class the Falcons offense put on live television against the Steelers.

Both can make valid points in their respective arguments, but ultimately, Penix has made it very clear he has no intention of playing until he feels ready, even if the team continues to suffer because of it.

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(Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire)