Falcons Coach Gives Michael Penix Jr. Injury Update
The Atlanta Falcons have a quarterback competition brewing around signing Tua Tagovailoa to join Michael Penix Jr. in a left-handed QB room.
The Falcons have a plan to split reps between the two when they are healthy, and it should be a fun battle to watch entering the 2026 season.
Penix, a first-round pick from the 2024 NFL Draft, underwent surgery to repair a partially torn ACL and missed the end of the season.
On Wednesday, Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski gave an update on Penix's recovery, and he still has a way to go as the team begins OTAs.
"Mike is not cleared for team periods yet," Stefanski said, via Matt Urben of Falcons Wire. "He'll continue to do what he's doing, which is individual drills and 7-on-7... The number one thing all along is to get healthy. So what Mike's able to do right now, in terms of individual and the 7-on-7 is outstanding and just shows you how hard he's working at it but when appropriate, then we'll move him to team drills."
Penix still has some hurdles to clear, but he is making progress as the calendar is set to turn to June.
Stefanski also said that Penix is "exactly where he needs to be" as OTAs begin.
Stefanski said Penix is "doing outstanding," but he won't put a percentage on him. "He's not 100%, but he's exactly where he needs to be." #Falcons
— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) May 27, 2026
Who Will Win the Falcons' QB1 Job?
Tagovailoa, who spent his entire career with the Miami Dolphins, has a lot to prove and is undergoing a new chapter in his career.
Penix has played in 14 games in two seasons, and he threw for 1,982 yards with nine touchdowns and three interceptions before suffering the injury.
However, the selection of Penix was highly scrutinized at the time, so he has a lot of weight on his shoulders and is facing a lot of pressure, even more with Tagovailoa on the roster and a new head coach in Atlanta.
The Falcons released Kirk Cousins, and he proceeded to sign with the Las Vegas Raiders.
There have been a lot of changes in Atlanta, and the QB battle is one that will be worth monitoring over the next few months, leading into Week 1.
Related: Falcons Coach Reveals Plan for Michael Penix Jr., Tua Tagovailoa
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This story was originally published May 27, 2026 at 10:36 AM.